CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — P.E.I. health officials are gearing up their COVID-19 preparedness plans in anticipation of the virus’s possible arrival in the province.
Dr. Heather Morrison, the province’s chief public health officer, held a media briefing on Friday in which she said there are now 13 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Canada and one presumptive case.
The confirmed cases are all in British Columbia and Ontario while the presumptive case is in Quebec. By presumptive, Morrison means a person has tested positive and it was expected the case was going to be confirmed by the end of the day on Friday.
“As the number of cases increases internationally, there’s lots of discussion about making sure we’re planning and preparing for more cases,’’ Morrison said.
She confirmed that they are in the process of testing people for COVID-19 in the province but there are no confirmed cases on P.E.I. yet.
“Anyone who has returned from any of these affected areas is calling 811. (If they) have symptoms they are being sent to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and they are being met with masks and are being assessed and considered for testing.’’
Morrison acknowledged it’s not a case of whether the coronavirus will show up in P.E.I. but when.
“Based on the numbers we are seeing internationally we are thinking we will have more in Canada and that could include Prince Edward Island. I am thinking we will eventually have a case here.’’
Morrison’s office is working closely with the federal government, provincial and territorial counterparts, other provincial government departments and Health P.E.I. to continue to monitor the situation globally, nationally and locally.
It is recommended that arriving travellers who have been in Hubei province, including Wuhan, voluntarily self-isolate for 14 days after leaving China. These travellers should stay home and not attend school or work and are encouraged to call 811 and connect with local public health for further advice and support and to call 811 if they develop any new onset of symptoms, such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
To date, the following are considered to be the affected areas — mainland China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.
Morrison said she sits on a special national advisory committee on the COVID-19 situation and work is ongoing towards putting together guidance document on how to manage the virus in acute care settings in terms of infection, protection control as well as guidance for schools and daycares.
“I have reached out to our education system and school branches so that they can be aware of that kind of information. Some of it is making sure that there is good handwashing availability and encouraging students and staff, and people everywhere to stay home if they’re not feeling well and they have symptoms.’’
She said physicians on P.E.I. do have viral swabs which would be sent to Moncton and then to the microbiology lab in Winnipeg, Man., for confirmation. The turnaround time for results is less than 24 hours.
“Planning involves making sure there are enough supplies (and) personal protective equipment. Issues around supplies is also being co-ordinated nationally to make sure there’s going to be enough supply for everybody.’’
And, with March Break just around the corner, many Islanders likely have travel plans. Morrison said people should make sure they have adequate health insurance beforehand.
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Some facts on COVID-19:
- Thirteen confirmed cases in Canada, all in B.C. and Ontario.
- One presumptive case in Quebec that was expected to be confirmed by the end of the day on Friday.
- No confirmed cases on P.E.I.
- Some perspective: While there were expected to be 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19 by the end of the Friday, there are more than 30,000 cases of influenza across Canada.
- COVID-19 is a very mild illness for 85 per cent of the people who get it.
