We’re learning more about the five cases of COVID-19 previously announced on P.E.I.
Dr. Heather Morrison, the province’s chief public health officer, says one of the five announced positive individuals are considered to have recovered from the novel coronavirus, and therefore no longer required to self-isolate.
“Those with mild illness who are doing well and who haven’t been and hospital and if they’re not a healthcare worker would not have to stay in self-isolation anymore,” Morrison says, “but, like everyone else who’s not in self-isolation, should be practicing social distancing.”
Morrison also provided further information on the province’s two most recently-announced cases.
Two men, both in their 30s, were confirmed to have COVID-19 Wednesday after they’d been travelling abroad.
One man had returned from the United States, the other from the Dominican Republic.
“One travelled into New Brunswick and one travelled into Halifax,” Morrison says.
She says further details on the fights taken will be released by the province, adding that public health and the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have been made aware.
Morrison also says the men did not take public transit, and that the individuals who had driven them back to the island are also now in self-isolation.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: P.E.I. bans in-room dining, bars in effort to stop spread of virus
Also at Thursday’s update, P.E.I.’s chief of nursing Marion Dowling assured residents that the province’s health-care system remains prepared for the pandemic.
“To date,” Dowling says, “we have adequate supply of personal protective equipment to be used in appropriate health-care settings.”
She says staffing levels are also adequate, with almost 100 retired health-care professionals being relicensed and re-entering the workforce amidst the pandemic.
“If they come to work with us,” Dowling says, “they’ll be paid according to the respective collective agreements or contracts that are in place.”
Dowling says relicensed workers include physiotherapists, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and support staff.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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