CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Province is prepared to issue fines of up to $10,000 for individuals who do not follow a public health directive to self-isolate after international or inter-provincial travel in a bid to halt the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain).
Justice and Public Safety Minister Bloyce Thompson announced the measures during a media briefing on Monday evening. Individuals who do not comply with the orders of the Chief Public Health Office to self-isolate after travel could face a fine of $1,000 for a first offence, $2,000 for a second offence or $10,000 for any subsequent offence.
P.E.I.’s Chief Public Health Office has said individuals who have returned from travel abroad or who have arrived in P.E.I. from outside the province are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or who are awaiting test results are also required to self-isolate. Self-isolation requires an individual remain sequestered in their home and avoid close contact with others for a 14-day period.
Exemptions from the hefty fines will be made for essential workers, such as truck drivers, airline crews and workers in critical sectors. A media statement said exceptions will also be made on compassionate grounds but did not elaborate what these grounds may be.
During the briefing, Thompson suggested Islanders report individuals not self-isolating.
“If you know someone who is not self-isolating, do not call 911. Call 1-800-958-6400,” Thompson said.
“This may sound strict, but these are the new realities. These are tough times, but Islanders are tough too. Please stay home.”
Chief Health Officer Heather Morrison also addressed the strict fines, saying the number of COVID-19 cases across Canada are rising daily. She said these measures are meant to “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of the virus.
“Ignoring these public health measures is irresponsible and puts you, your loved ones and our community at risk, especially for those that are most vulnerable,” Morrison said.
“These measures are challenging to do, hard to implement and I want and need Islanders to listen and protect one another.”
King, who addressed the briefing via Skype while in self-isolation at his home, said other Provinces are also introducing similar measures.
“I understand why Islanders are frustrated,” King said.
“We just need everyone to know that they have to take this seriously and they have to do their part.”
Morrison added a warning could be issued before individuals are fined.
King also briefly addressed the roll-out of a provincial income support program aimed at workers who do not qualify for federal Employment Insurance. Minister of Economic Growth Matthew MacKay has suggested the program will provide as much as $250 per week for workers over the next two weeks, as the Federal government prepares to roll-out a much larger program.
King said MacKay would be outlining further details of this program on Tuesday.
“The immediacy of getting money in the hands of Islanders remains a priority for us,” King said.
Late on Monday, MacKay posted a link containing details about the program to his Facebook page. Although the program is intended for workers who have had a reduction in hours, employers will be responsible for applying for the program on behalf of staff whose hours have been reduced. The money will also be disbursed by employers.
Although the full scale of job losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet known, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said over 500,000 Canadians have applied for Employment Insurance since it began.
King said he would be raising the issue of EI benefits during a call with the Prime Minister and the other Canadian Premiers Monday evening.
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