No new cases of COVID-19 on P.E.I., total remains at 26

There are no new cases of COVID-19 on P.E.I., chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison said in her briefing Friday.

Since Thursday, 118 negative test results have come back. Morrison noted that 23 of the Island's 26 COVID-19 cases are considered recovered.

Across the country, she said there have been more than 30,000 cases and close to 1,200 deaths. 

The case fatality rate in Canada sits at four per cent and around the world it is 6.9 per cent. 

She noted the province's aim to provide more details on what easing up restrictions could look like on P.E.I. next week. 

'Risky behaviour'

Morrison expressed concern over a potential increase in alcohol and drug use on P.E.I., as people are encouraged to remain at home.

We know those are risk factors for our population and impact the health of our population, without a pandemic.— Dr. Heather Morrison

She cautioned Islanders that this kind of "risky behaviour" can lead to short- and long-term negative health outcomes and offered some low-risk guidelines Islanders can follow. 

For women, she recommended no more than two drinks per day and 10 drinks per week. For men, no more than three per day and 15 per week.

"We recognize that these are challenging times for all of us," she said. 

She reminded Islanders that they can reach out for mental health and addictions services should they need help.

"In general, we know those are risk factors for our population and impact the health of our population, without a pandemic," she said. 

"I think it's an important thing to mention at any time because of the risks involved." 

Health PEI's chief of nursing Marion Dowling said 79 people were seen at the Charlottetown cough and fever clinic and 19 at the Summerside location on Thursday.

Morrison noted there are no scheduled news briefings planned for the upcoming weekend, but she said that could change.

For now, the province plans to release advisories on negative test results returned over the weekend.

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 news from CBC P.E.I.