CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Islanders are still mostly following the rules for limiting the spread of coronavirus, according to Premier Dennis King.
During a media briefing Monday, both King and chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison said Islanders have been following public health guidelines despite the modestly eased physical distancing rules that came into effect over the weekend. Neither offered specific numbers on warnings or charges issued relating to physical distancing since May 1.
As of Friday, the Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) guidelines allowed outdoor gatherings of up to five people, provided individuals maintained a two-metre distance. The new guidelines also allow and encourage outdoor activities, including recreational fishing, golfing, hiking and cycling, as long as physical distancing is maintained.
"The general consensus is that we were all pleased to see, in the first weekend of Phase 1, that most Islanders were strictly adhering to the CPHO health directives," King said.
"The strength of our position is largely because Islanders have bought in. And as we continue to ease back, that buy-in is even more important."
Morrison was asked by a reporter how many charges or warnings were issued over the weekend. She said she did not have those numbers available but would bring them forward in a future briefing.
She said ground search-and-rescue personnel were present at some provincial parks to encourage physical distancing.
No new P.E.I. cases of COVID-19 were reported on Monday. A total of 25 out of the 27 people who have tested positive for the virus are considered recovered.
As of Monday, 3,387 tests have been conducted on P.E.I. since early March. Between April 27 and May 4, 593 tests were conducted, a significant increase from the previous week’s total of 421. Until this week, the total number of weekly tests conducted had been shrinking every week since early April. The province’s testing criteria has expanded to target some asymptomatic groups, including long-haul truck drivers, temporary foreign workers, health workers and long-term care residents upon admission.
Phase 1 of the province’s plan to loosen COVID-19 public health restrictions also allows for new construction builds to begin and clears the way for beginning landscaping work. Pool maintenance and outdoor watershed clean-up are also permitted. Outdoor photography is also permitted, although it is unclear whether this activity was restricted before.
Morrison also said carpooling is permitted for workers in fleet vehicles or for individuals who require drives to medical appointments.
"If physical distancing cannot be made, every effort should be made to ensure distance between passengers, including limiting the number of persons in a vehicle," Morrison said.
Morrison also recommended cleaning surfaces within a vehicle and said a provincial guide related to carpooling will be produced.
King was asked about the activities and composition of the Premier’s Economic Recovery Council. The council’s formation was announced March 30, but the composition of the council has not yet been made public.
King said the council is examining ways to help the Island’s economy recover after the pandemic ends.
"We could certainly be in a position later in the week to probably give some more details as to the complete composition of that,” King said.
