Prince Edward Island has no new COVID-19 cases as of Saturday, but the province has announced a series of new measures to deal with the novel coronavirus pandemic.
As of March 21, the province is implementing a series of new screening measures at all access points to the island, including the Confederation Bridge, for all individuals arriving in the province.
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“This will reinforce self-isolation measures,” said Dr. Heather Morrison, the province’s chief public health officer.
In addition, the province is asking anyone who has travelled within Canada to self-isolate for 14 days. This is being done in the face of community transmission in other provinces and follows a request for those returning from international travel to self-isolate.
“What we do now, will have effects in the weeks and months ahead,” said Morrison.
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“This is a marathon, not a sprint.”
There remain only two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in P.E.I. as of Saturday and Morrison said more than 300 tests have been completed.
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Both of the cases are in the Queens County area. Both people are recovering at home with mild symptoms.
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The chief public health officer said the decision to enforce self-isolation through law enforcement — as seen in other provinces — is something being considered but it is not necessary at this time
Morrison said that the government is preparing a plan for alternative access to alcohol after it closed all provincially-operated liquor and cannabis stores earlier this week.
Breweries and agency stores remain open.
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