On the one-month anniversary of P.E.I.’s current public health emergency, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety moved to declare a state of emergency, a more comprehensive measure that allows for more increased powers for government to assist the Chief Public Health Office.
During a media briefing on Thursday, Bloyce Thompson, Minister of Justice and Public safety said the declaration of a state of emergency will help officials better screen individuals entering P.E.I. at the Confederation Bridge, the Charlottetown airport and ferry terminals at Wood Islands and Souris. Thompson said the state of emergency will see the Province’s Emergency Measures Organization take a larger role in screening incoming travellers.
Travellers must provide justification that their entry is essential to be permitted to enter P.E.I.
The state of emergency will be effective Friday morning at 8 a.m. and will last until April 30 at 11:59 p.m., Thompson said. The state of public health emergency has also been renewed by cabinet for a further 30 days.
Premier Dennis King said the declaration comes after a request from chief health officer Dr. Heather Morrison.
"The state of emergency allows for the deployment of resources when and where needed and aids our provincial response to this pandemic," King said.
"Taking these measures now, we feel, will give us the best opportunity to keep Islanders safe and healthy and will position us to be in the best possible position for an economic turnaround sooner rather than later."
The province’s Emergency Measures Act gives the Minister of Justice broad powers to safeguard health and safety. This would include acquiring or confiscating personal property, authorizing qualified personnel to assist the province, controlling or prohibiting travel to or from any area and authorizing individuals to enter a premise without a warrant.
Both King and Thompson indicated the measure is needed to help better enforce travel restrictions on P.E.I.
"If you're not an Island resident and if you're not an essential worker, we're asking you not to come here right now," King said.
Thompson said other trained personnel could help alleviate pressures on the staff of Dr. Morrison.
"Her resources are being stretched to the limit,” Thompson said.
“This just gives her the extra resources she can use to help control the borders."
Morrison added the Public Health Act only recognizes environmental health officers, the deputy chief health officer and herself as public health officials.
"I don't think I can do any shifts at the bridge at the moment," Morrison quipped.
"Our ability, in terms of numbers, has been stretched."
On Wednesday, Canada passed the grim milestone of over 1,000 deaths due to the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain). Although P.E.I. has so far been spared any fatalities, the Island’s population has a high proportion of seniors who could be vulnerable. More than half the deaths recorded in Canada have been residents of long-term care homes.
Morrison announced a new requirement on Thursday that workers at long-term care homes self-isolate for 14 days after returning from off-Island travel. Previously staff who had travelled had been exempt from the requirement to self-isolate, as they were considered essential workers.
Morrison also said staff have been in discussions about more widespread testing of residents of long-term care facilities and mentioned the possibility of testing residents upon admission and then later testing again. Ontario and Quebec have prioritized testing of long-term care residents and staff, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms.
As of Wednesday, P.E.I. has tested 2,057 people. There have been 26 positive COVID-19 cases so far.
