Dr. Heather Morrison, PEI’s Chief Public Health Officer is advising that that due to increased community transmissions of COVID-19 and not just cases that have been travel related, are now affecting the whole country.
There are still only 2 confirmed cases on PEI and 300 tests have been taken.
But due to the fact larger centres like Toronto are now seeing increased transmissions of the virus inside the community, anyone who has travelled within Canada plus international travelers must self-isolate for 14 days. That includes all forms of travel including by vehicle or by air. It includes people who have traveled from mainland provinces in the Maritimes region including New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Dr. Morrison says there are exceptions for those traveling between provinces such as truck drivers who are hauling products and considered to be essential workers. Essential workers also include people in health care, airline crews, frontline workers in the public or private sector, and workers in critical sectors.
Upon arrival they will be screened and asked to self-monitor daily for symptoms of COVID-19, if they are feeling well but they will have to self-isolate if they experience symptoms of the virus.
Increased screening measures have been set up at the Charlottetown Airport, the Confederation Bridge and the Magdalene Islands ferry terminal in Souris.
None of the points of entry are closed but it is important for Islanders and visitors to comply.
Anyone who was on Air Canada flight 7564 from Toronto on Wednesday, March 11 is asked to self-isolate for 14 days after one passenger test positive for the virus.
Islanders are being asked to limit medical prescriptions from pharmacies to 30 days. There will be no extra cost involved for Pharmacare clients.
Dr. Morrison reminds us that social distancing is important for all people at this time.
Resources are available online for people who are feeling anxiety from the current situation. Go to the Government of PEI website.
Dr. Morrison says this is a “marathon not a sprint” and we need to take action now to help in the coming weeks and months ahead to prevent the virus from spreading.
Dr. Morrison’s next COVID-19 update has been scheduled for Monday afternoon.
