CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Prince Edward Island Health Minister James Aylward urged retired health workers to consider pitching in to help with the province’s efforts to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic.
Aylward confirmed there are 26 retired health-care staff who have already offered to return to work to help the province deal with the pandemic.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief health officer, announced the second confirmed case of coronavirus in the province. Morrison also said the province would be expanding testing efforts for the virus in the coming days and weeks, and that these efforts could include the establishment of a local testing lab.
Aylward thanked P.E.I. health-care workers and urged Islanders to observe social distancing practices recommended by Morrison.
"Health-care workers are there for us and we need to stay home for them," Aylward said.
"I want to thank each and every person who's reached out. We certainly want and need your help."
Aylward said other retirees who wish to temporarily return to work to help with the province’s efforts can call 902-368-4927. He said the province would work with the P.E.I. College of Physicians and Surgeons to ensure credentials of health professionals were current.
Aylward also said the province has partnered with the online exercise program Go!PEI to offer free in-home exercise sessions. Sessions can be accessed through the Go!PEI Facebook page.
Social Development and Housing Minister Ernie Hudson also spoke on the call and said social assistance and accessibility supports would be uninterrupted. He also said child protection services and housing supports will continue to be available.
Hudson said the province has distributed $10,000 to the Community Foundation of P.E.I. to purchase and distribute touch-screen tablets to seniors to allow them to remain in contact with family and friends while in isolation.
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