CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — There are no new cases of COVID-19 in P.E.I., but three of the confirmed cases are considered recovered, said chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
Morrison spoke during a daily news conference on the coronavirus (COVID-19) this afternoon where she was again joined by Health P.E.I.’s Marion Dowling.
Despite the lack of new cases, it’s not a time to rest, said Morrison.
“Although we don’t have any new cases to announce, this is not a time to slow down or become complacent. It’s actually when we need to keep going with our messages and our actions around physical distancing and self-isolated if you have returned from out of province or out of country.”
Morrison also said no new construction permits are being issued as concerns related to the construction industry continue to be raised and those sites still operating which can be delayed or postponed should stop work, though emergency repairs should continue.
Morrison took a moment to give thanks to all those in essential services—including truck drivers, postal workers and grocery store clerks—and had a special shout out to first responders who took part in a parade through Charlottetown earlier in the morning in solidarity with healthcare professionals.
“As a healthcare provider, this means a lot to me and our other healthcare colleagues across the province. During these challenging times like this, these acts of kindness mean so much.”
Dowling outlined plans around hospitalization COVID-19 patients, including that patients testing positive will initially go only to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Dowling also announced a new psychiatric emergency care clinic opening today at Hillsborough Hospital, which will help keep beds free at the QEH in preparation for the surge of COVID patients expected.
And though hospitals and testing clinics currently have enough personal protective equipment for staff, Health PEI is in the midst of sourcing new supplies.
As for an update to testing numbers, there are still 21 confirmed cases with three considered recovered. Morrison said 870 tests have been conducted in total, with 665 returned negative, meaning 184 are still pending results.
