P.E.I. Premier Dennis King is in self-quarantine after visiting the US.
King said he and his family visited Boston before driving to Ottawa late this week for meetings with the Prime Minister. The meetings were later cancelled after Trudeau also began a self-quarantine.
“While en route to Ottawa, the decision was made to cancel the in-person meetings with Premiers and the Prime Minister. Much changed over the 24-hour period between Wednesday and Thursday,” King said in an e-mailed statement.
King said he and his family are not showing symptoms of the coronavirus.
Full Statement from Premier Dennis King:
“We continue to see the growing impact of COVID-19 day by day and appreciate the significant impact it is having on Island families, my own included. Like many Islanders, my family and I had planned a spring trip several weeks ago. In the days prior to leaving, the details for the First Ministers Meetings in Ottawa were confirmed and arrangements were made for me to travel to Ottawa from Boston where I was located. My family and I drove to Boston early Wednesday morning and I boarded a plane for Ottawa on Thursday morning, having spent less than 24-hours in the United States. While enroute to Ottawa, the decision was made to cancel the in-person meetings with Premiers and the Prime Minister. Much changed over the 24-hour period between Wednesday and Thursday.
Earlier today, PEI’s Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, issued new travel recommendations and precautions related to COVID-19. I have been in regular contact with Dr. Morrison on our general response to contain the virus and raised my particular circumstance with her as well. While my risk of exposure to COVID-19 is considered extremely low and my family and I are feeling great – we are not experiencing any symptoms and do not believe that we have been in contact with anyone who is symptomatic – we will be following her expert advice, as all Islanders should, and self-isolating and self-monitoring at home for the next 14 days.
We are facing an unprecedented challenge in COVID-19. The health and safety of Islanders is our biggest concern. As Premier, I will continue to lead our overall government efforts to support our public health professionals in containing the virus and in responding to the community and economic challenges it is raising. I will work from a satellite office in my home. Meetings will take place virtually or over the phone until I am able to return to my government office.
I encourage all Islanders to follow the advice of Dr. Morrison and take the appropriate precautions to protect you and your family. Islanders are resilient, and we will get through this by working together and supporting one another.”
On Friday, P.E.I.’s Public Health Officer Heather Morrison urged all Islanders who have travelled abroad to self-quarantine for 14 days upon return. She also urged Island residents to avoid travel abroad and to avoid social gatherings that will involve a 2-meter proximity.
King is not the only members of the P.E.I. government in self-quarantine. On Friday, the Province confirmed Health Minister James Aylward will be working from home for a 14-day period. Aylward returned from a healthcare recruiting visit to Ireland on Thursday.
The Guardian has confirmed that Finance Minister Darlene Compton is also in the Dominican Republic for a personal visit. The Minister will also be self-isolating for a 14-day period upon her return.
Neither Aylward nor Compton have exhibited any symptoms of the coronavirus, a representative of the Province confirmed late Friday.
Liberal MLA Robert Mitchell is also currently out of the country on vacation. No members of the Green Opposition caucus are currently outside of the country, nor have any been outside of the country in the last week, according to a Green caucus representative.
twitter.com/stu_neatby
