Chief Public Health Officer urges Islanders to work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19
Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, says the best way for Islanders to come together is to stay apart, in efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Morrison continues to strongly urge Islanders to stay home and consider whether leaving the house is essential. Those who are self-isolating should stay home.
All bars, theatres (including movie theatres), and indoor play areas will close immediately. All in-room dining at restaurants will also close, but may continue to provide pick-up, delivery and drive-thru options if they choose.
All dental clinics and optometry appointments will be cancelled, except for emergency appointments, which will be handled case by case.
Effective today, funerals should be cancelled or rescheduled and wakes at funeral homes will be for family only, with no more than 20 people present. Online condolences and donations will be available.
Prince Edward Island currently has one confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in the province. Dr. Morrison noted that the person had travelled on WestJet Flight 3440 from Toronto to Moncton on March 7. It is advised that anyone on this flight should self-isolate for 14 days.
Dr. Morrison reminded Islanders to call ahead if you have a health-related appointment booked. If it is not considered essential, it may be rebooked.
She encourages Islanders to help support each other in different ways, like through telephone, FaceTime, Skype, e-mail and more.
Islanders with questions about COVID-19 should call PEI’s toll-free information line at 1-800-958-6400. The information line is taking messages 24-hours a day, 7 days a week and Islanders who leave messages will receive a call back from the Chief Public Health Office.
Islanders experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or shortness of breath) within 14 days after international travel should call 8-1-1 to be screened and, if necessary, directed for testing.
Those requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1.
Backgrounder:
The Chief Public Health Office continues to work closely with the federal government, provincial and territorial counterparts, government departments and Health PEI to continue to monitor the situation globally, nationally and locally. The public health risk of COVID-19 is continually reassessed and Islanders will be updated as new information becomes available.
Government’s special situation response group also continues to work collaboratively with the Chief Public Health Office, stakeholders and community partners in preparing for all impacts related to COVID-19 to the province, including health, social and economic.
Everyone is encouraged to follow routine prevention measures:
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue
- If ill with acute respiratory symptoms, stay home if possible
- Limit touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Don’t share items like drinking glasses and water bottles
- Frequently clean surfaces like taps, doorknobs and countertops
Media Contact:
Samantha Hughes
Health and Wellness
(902) 368-5610
shughes@gov.pe.ca