COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, April 16

The government of P.E.I. declared a state of emergencyat a briefing early Thursday afternoon.

Government is also asking Island residentsreturning to the province tocontact the Department of Public Safetyin advance of their arrival at any entry point.

At a briefing later on Thursday, the government also announced a $50 millionloan assistance program for tourism operators.

No new cases of COVID-19 were reported Thursday. The total confirmed cases remains at 26, with 23 of those cases recovered.

P.E.I. business owners met with the federal economic development minister Wednesday and told her she must save Main Street.

A majority of P.E.I.'s lobster fishermen want the season to go ahead despite pandemic concerns.

A snowbird who says he recently moved to P.E.I. was denied entry at Confederation Bridge on his return to Canada. Officials told him he didn't have enough evidence he lived on the Island.

Recent stories

• Essential workers can still travel to P.E.I., but there's strict rules that must be followed.
• Premier Dennis King talks with CBC's Louise Martin about declaring a state of emergency on P.E.I.
• A national policy research group is asking the provincial government to change the way payday lenders operate in P.E.I.
• P.E.I. construction work is fading in the COVID-19 public health emergency.
• Truckers are being offered discount hotel rooms to help them self-isolate while on the Island.
• Dairy farmers are facing "a tough year" as the bottom drops out of demand.
• Bike sales for kids are booming, say local shops, as parents seek outdoor activities for their children during the pandemic.
• Closed or offering limited service, many businesses on P.E.I. arefinding new strategies to survive.

Further resources

• Here isinformation for livingwith the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures, andessential health services.
• Here arecharts tracking COVID-19 numbers and a timeline of COVID-19-related events on P.E.I.
• A full list ofCOVID-19 cancellationscan be viewed here. You can report closures on our cancellation hotline at 1-877-236-9350.

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.

Health Canada has built aself-assessment tool.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Isolate yourself and call 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. A health professional at 811 will give you advice and instructions.

How can I protect myself?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean regularly touched surfaces regularly.
• Practisephysical distancing.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on thefederal government's website.

More COVID-19 stories from CBC P.E.I.