COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Monday, April 27

There have been no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on P.E.I. for 12 straight days, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer said in a briefing Monday.

Dr. Heather Morrison said 159 more negative results came in over the weekend. The number of confirmed cases on P.E.I. remains at 26, with 24 considered recovered.

"Aren't we doing well together," she said. "We have all taken our responsibilities seriously to keep our loved ones and our communities safe here on P.E.I. during this pandemic."

Marion Dowling, P.E.I.'s chief nursing officer, says with sports and other restrictions in place, there are fewer patients coming into the ER with injuries and other ailments. She reminded people the ER is safe and to come in if they need to.

Morrison and Dowling thanked people who continue to do valuable work in labs and behind the scenes.

Municipalities on P.E.I. are struggling with their budgets during the pandemic, with some revenue streams gone and a need to adjust staffing.

Holland College has found a way to open its annual student art show.

The Island has had only 26 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and one confirmed case since April 8.

The province says it is working on a plan to begin easing COVID-19 restrictions in May — the calendar turns this Friday — but gatherings with people from outside of your household remain prohibited for now, Morrison said.

More details on P.E.I.'s plan to ease restrictions are expected in the coming week, said Premier Dennis King.

P.E.I. travel agents talk about what travel might look like when restrictions ease.

Also in the news 

• Impact of COVID-19 on Confederation Centre "well into the millions."
• Old Home Week no sure bet this summer.
• Some P.E.I. fishermen dismayed by delay to season, others relieved.
• Premier Dennis King talks about what he hopes can be salvaged of the tourist season.
• Minister of Finance Darlene Compton said there is "little doubt" P.E.I. will run a deficit for the 2020-21 fiscal year.
• An Island company is designing a protective gown to help in the fight against COVID-19.
• The P.E.I. Potato Board has offered a recipe for do-it-yourself potato yeast.
• Navigating best-before and expiry dates in your pandemic pantry.

Further resources

• Here is information for living with the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. — including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures, and essential health services.
• Here are charts tracking COVID-19 numbers and a timeline of COVID-19-related events on P.E.I.
• A full list of COVID-19 cancellations can be viewed here. You can report closures on our cancellation hotline at 1-877-236-9350.

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.

Health Canada has built a self-assessment tool.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Isolate yourself and call 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. A health professional at 811 will give you advice and instructions.

How can I protect myself?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean regularly touched surfaces regularly.
• Practise physical distancing.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on the federal government's website.

More COVID-19 stories from CBC P.E.I.