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Outdoor get-togethers not OK, says chief public health officer

P.E.I.'s chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison says with a COVID-19 pandemic, Islanders should not be gathering to socialize, even if they are the recommended two metres apart.

Even if you are 2 metres apart, 'now is not the time' to socialize, says Dr. Morrison

Travis Kingdon · CBC News ·
Walkers at Victoria Park in Charlottetown are reminded to practise social distancing when using the boardwalk. (Nicola MacLeod/CBC)

P.E.I.'s chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison says with the COVID-19 pandemic, Islanders should not be gathering to socialize, even if they are the recommended two metres apart. 

At a daily briefing Monday, Morrison announced seven new cases of COVID-19 on P.E.I., all related to international travel, and stressed the best way for everyone to stay safe right now is to stay apart. 

"As we continue to see our numbers in Prince Edward Island grow, I will continue to stress the importance of social distancing, physical distancing, as well as social isolation," said Morrison. 

Morrison said that people should only be leaving their homes if they absolutely have to. 

"If you do need to leave the house you should practise physical distancing," she said. 

P.E.I. National Park was closed to visitors and parking was prohibited to prevent the spread of COVID-19, although many Islanders came to locations on the North Shore anyway. (Brian McInnis/CBC)

This weekend, Morrison said people on the Island weren't practising physical distancing by keeping two metres or more between them.  

"Physical distancing is not meeting up in groups outside. Physical distancing is not grocery shopping in groups. Physical distancing is not having play dates with other children," she said. 

The P.E.I. National Park in Stanhope was busy on the weekend, even though the park was closed to everything except through traffic. (Stacey Wyand)

Morrison said she understands that people may miss social interaction with their loved ones. 

"I too would love to do many of these things, but now is not the time." 

She said it's important to limit interactions — like stopping for a chat with a friend— and not organize gatherings with your friends and family, even outdoors. Instead, say a quick hello and carry on.

"I think it's hard for people to stay physically distant from each other for long periods of time if you're out on the street."

A runner and walker keep their distance from each other on the Charlottetown boardwalk. (Brian McInnis/CBC)

Morrison acknowledged it might be tough right now, but said it's important Islanders take every step they can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

"We keep saying this is not going to be forever, but it will be a lot longer for all of us if we don't do everything we can now."

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Travis Kingdon

Travis Kingdon is a journalist with CBC P.E.I. He moved to the Island from Toronto in the spring of 2019.

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