Two women who recently returned to P.E.I. are the latest confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province.
Dr. Heather Morrison, the province’s chief health officer, announced the new cases at a Friday afternoon update.
There are now a total of 11 COVID-19 cases in P.E.I.
Morrison says both individuals are women living in Prince County who had self-isolated upon returning from their travels.
One is in their 20s, the other in their 50s.
Morrison spoke to both on Friday afternoon, saying they were doing well.
“We’ll continue, as with all our other cases, to do contact tracing and that has been initiated,” she says.
Morrison was joined by several MLAs during Friday’s update, the second of the day, after she called for an expansion of closures across the province.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: P.E.I.’s top doctor recommends schools stay closed until at least May 11
Ernie Hudson, Minister of Social Development and Housing announced a new online resource compiling volunteer services on the Island.
“Over the last number of weeks, Islanders have really come together to help one another,” Hudson says.
The resource, dubbed ‘Islanders Helping Islanders‘, compiles a list of individuals, groups and organizations across the province providing support during the pandemic.
Things like grocery drop-off, senior check-ins, etc.
“We will get through this the Islander way,” Hudson says, “working together and being there for each other.”
Matthew MacKay, Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture, announced an expansion to the province’s ‘Employee Gift Card Program’ – which looks to provide those out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a $100 Sobeys gift card.
That will now be made available to all affected Islanders, no longer based on income.
MacKay directs residents to the province’s ‘COVID for Business‘ page for further program expansions.
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.
Comments