HALIFAX -- Prince Edward Island's top doctor is reminding Islanders of the importance of staying home as much as possible, and practising social-distancing, as the Easter long weekend approaches.
Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison said extra security measures have been put in place throughout the weekend to remind people to practise social-distancing.
“And our Ground Search and Rescue will be helping by having a presence in parks and public spaces this weekend to remind people about physical-distancing,” said Morrison.
She said another person was ticketed on Wednesday for failing to self-isolate under the Public Health Order.
“The individual was charged with a summary offence ticket, which carries a fine of $1,000,” said Morrison.
She also said a number of cars have been turned away at the Confederation Bridge, where they are screening everyone in terms of their health and what their plan is for self-isolation.
Morrison said the province is following up with anyone who is required to self-isolate, making over 1,000 calls a day.
Prince Edward Island reported no new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, with the total number of cases remaining at 25.
Since Wednesday night, the province received 86 additional negative test results. Seventeen of P.E.I.’s cases are considered recovered.
“Our tests per 1-million the population of P.E.I. are actually above the Canadian average,” said Morrison.
On Wednesday, the province announced its first interprovincial case involving a man in his 50s from Queens County.
“And just to be clear, the interprovincial travel means someone who has travelled from one of our other provinces into P.E.I.,” explained Morrison.
“This is an example yesterday, of why we are trying to get that message out, so important to self-isolate after travel outside P.E.I., whether it's international, or interprovincial.”
Morrison also reminded Islanders testing is not just limited to those who have travelled. Anyone who is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms is asked to get tested.
“If you're experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, cough, difficulty breathing, fever, fatigue, headache, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, please consider coming in and being tested,” said Morrison. “It's important for our whole community, to be able to identify cases, so that we can contain spread and also assist you if you need.”
Morrison also announced plans to release the provinces modelling projections in the days ahead.
“And not only will we be releasing it, but we will continue to update those models, as, as the pandemic evolves here in Prince Edward Island,” said Morrison.
“I’d like to end by thanking Islanders again for their compliance with our public health measures. It is hard. It is challenging every day to live differently but by doing this, you're doing your part to help protect yourself, your loved ones and our entire island community,” said Morrison.
