Chief Public Health Officer urges Islanders to practice physical distancing over long weekend

Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, says Islanders should continue following public health guidance over the Easter weekend.

Dr. Morrison recognized that many Islanders may be shopping in preparation for the long weekend. She cautioned Islanders to avoid crowding in line ups or inside stores, it is extremely important to practice physical distancing. She also reminded Islanders that there should be no social gatherings with those that we don’t live with.

Today in Prince Edward Island, there are no new positive cases and 86 negative tests have been returned. The province’s total number of COVID-19 cases remains at 25, with 17 of those cases considered recovered. All cases are travel-related.

Health PEI’s Chief of Nursing, Marion Dowling, reminded Islanders that patients with ongoing health concerns should call their physician or nurse practitioner to access care. It is important to receive follow up care for existing conditions.

Dowling also reminded Islanders that Mental Health and Addictions are providing care to patients requiring acute mental health care at the new psychiatric urgent care clinic, temporarily located at the Hillsborough Hospital. Individuals requiring emergency medical assistance should still visit the emergency department.

Cough and fever clinics and drive thru testing clinics continue to run in both Charlottetown and Summerside. Yesterday, there were 90 patients seen in Charlottetown and 23 in Summerside. Appointments to the cough and fever clinics are by referral from family physicians, nurse practitioners or 811.

For answers to general questions about COVID-19 call 1-833-533-9333 or visit our webpage at: www.princeedwardisland.ca/covid19.

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