COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, April 2

One new case of COVID-19 has been confirmed on P.E.I. bringing the total to 22, said chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison in a news briefing Thursday afternoon.

The new case — a Queens County man in his 50s — is related to international travel, and he is at home self-isolating.

Morrison highlighted that the case is an example of why self-isolating is so crucial. She spoke to the man Thursday morning and said he is doing well.

Going forward, she said the province will be following up with each individual who has been instructed to self-isolate on a daily basis, to ensure they are complying with the new health measures. 

"One of the many things that keeps me up at night is worrying about what will happen if we get widespread community transmission in P.E.I.," she said.

In a later briefing from the province, Minister Steven Myers announced a $1 million fund that will be available to individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations for do not qualify for any other previously announced provincial or federal support program.

A group of small businesses is asking the P.E.I. government for more support in order to avoid having to close permanently.

P.E.I.'s Chinese community has raised thousands of dollars to support the provincial health-care system.

The manager of the Upper Room Food Bank describes the last two weeks as "chaotic."

In Thursday's late afternoon briefing, Myers said the screening process at the Confederation Bridge has turned away 11 individuals since stepping up restrictions Wednesday evening.

Myers said travellers who are not considered to be essential workers, students returning home, those moving goods, or commuting to the Island under compassionate grounds will be told to turn back. 

Michel LeChasseur, general manager of Strait Crossing Bridge Ltd., said car traffic is down 90 per cent from what it was this time last year.

Buddhist monasteries on the Island have closed themselves off to outside community contact.

In addition, a new COVID-19 income support fund has been established to help Islanders experiencing a loss of income ahead of the arrival of other federal benefits. It and will arrive as a one-time lump sum of $750, said Minister of Economic Growth Matthew MacKay.  

Some nursing homes have closed their dining rooms.

Recent stories

• The province announced a $1 million COVID-19 Special Situation Fund 
• P.E.I.'s Office of Residential Rental Properties is urging tenants who get an eviction notice to act quickly if they want to challenge it. 
• The Confederation Bridge is reporting a dramatic drop in traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Three of the 21 COVID-19 cases on P.E.I. are considered to be recovered, said chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
• Superstores on the Island are hiring to fulfill demand for online orders.
• P.E.I.'s harness racing season has been delayed.
• Two P.E.I. truckers tell CBC's Island Morning how life on the road has changed for them.
• The P.E.I. Real Estate Association has ordered a stop to most open houses and in-person viewings.
• The P.E.I. Association for Newcomers to Canada is providing COVID-19 information to recent immigrants in seven different languages.

• A full list of COVID-19 cancellations can be viewed here. You can report closures on our cancellation hotline at 1-877-236-9350.

​​​Financial relief

• P.E.I. announced a $1 million COVID-19 Special Situation Fund for those who did not qualify for any other provincial or federal support programs.
• IRAC has suspended rental hearings indefinitely in response to the pandemic.
• Ottawa has agreed not to claw back money provided under the employment insurance program, and some Islanders not currently eligible for EI will be able to get it, says Premier Dennis King.
• The Charlottetown water and sewer utility is offering options for flexible payments to people suffering financial difficulties during COVID-19.
• The province announced $2 million to support early learning centres, staff and parents. The funding will ensure families won't have to pay fees while the centres are closed. The fund is expected to cover the next six weeks, starting March 20. 
• The province announced $500,000 in relief, including money for United Way, food banks, the Salvation Army and other helping organizations.
• Innovation PEI is providing self-employed Islanders $500 a week.
• Small businesses affected are eligible for loans of up to $100,000.
• Workers who continue to work but on reduced hours due to COVID-19 are eligible for a temporary $200 allowance per week. 
• The province's largest landlord, the P.E.I. Housing Corporation, suspended evictions for six weeks as of March 17. 
• Maritime Electric has suspended disconnection for non-payment for two weeks. It began March 17.

Health

• Health PEI's chief of nursing Marion Dowling who confirmed that the province will be receiving an additional 26 ventilators through the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile.
• The P.E.I. government says more mental health and addictions services are coming. Mental health and addictions support is moving from in-person to virtual connections.
• Emergency mini-clinic to monitor coughs and fever, funded by the federal government, have been set up.
• The P.E.I. government has created an Islanders Helping Islanders volunteer directory on its website for anyone looking for help during the pandemic. 
• Blood donation is still needed in the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadian Blood Services' location at 85 Fitzroy St. in Charlottetown has the goal of collecting 32 units a day.
• P.E.I. has launched an online self-assessment for COVID-19 to alleviate high call volumes to 811.
• Seniors homes and community care facilities across the province remain closed to outside visitors.
• All dental clinics on P.E.I. are closed until further notice. Some clinics can manage emergency care, patients must first call to have emergencies evaluated.
• Health PEI is rescheduling non-essential appointments, and said those affected will be contacted directly.

Education

• Island schools and daycares will remain closed until at least May 11. 
• The Island's university and college students are back in class, but online.
• While spending more time at home, Islanders are taking advantage of resources at provincial libraries, again, all online. The physical libraries are closed.
• P.E.I. and Canada Student Loan repayments have been suspended for six months. 

Travel

• Any Islanders who have travelled out of province — whether experiencing symptoms or not — are required to self-isolate for 14 days following their return. This applies to people who have travelled internationally since March 8, and anyone who travelled to another province since March 21.
• The P.E.I. government has published a list of flights suspected of being at risk for COVID-19.
• Screening checkpoints are set up at the Confederation Bridge, Charlottetown airport and Souris ferry terminal.
• The federal government has banned boats and cruise ships carrying more than 500 people from docking at Canadian ports until July.

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.