COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening on Monday, March 16

P.E.I. Premier Dennis King has declared a public health emergency on COVID-19 Monday, andannounced a $25-millionemergency contingency fund for Islanders financially affected.

All Islanders are being asked to work from home and stay at home whenever possible. Provincial government employees who can will begin working from home, and officials said access to provincial buildings will be restricted.

The P.E.I. Supreme Court and Court of Appealsuspended all in-person court appearancesuntil further notice, other than for urgent or emergency matters. Provincial courts will remain open and are asking clients to complywith social distancing practices, a release issued Monday evening says.

P.E.I. continued testing people for coronavirus Monday,in addition to100testedSunday.

The province will holddaily briefings on the COVID-19 pandemic at 1 p.m. AT.

All provincial libraries were closed Monday.

• A full list ofCOVID-19 cancellationscan be viewed here. You can report closures on our cancellation hotline at 1-877-236-9350.

Today's topstories

• In the first of two press briefings Monday, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrisonurged Islanders to consider what's essential before heading outside.
• In the second press briefing, Premier Dennis King declared a public health emergency and announced a $25-million aid package for businesses and workers affected by closures. Officialsurged people to simply stay at home if possible.
• Some P.E.I. restaurants have begun to restrict hours or close altogether.
• On Sunday evening, Morrison and Minister of Education Brad Trivers announced the indefiniteclosures of child-care centres and schools in response to COVID-19 on P.E.I. Monday, officials made it clear the closures extend to unlicensed daycares too.
• Bedford MacDonald House, Charlottetown men's shelter,set up aCOVID-19 isolation room for guests who experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
• A seniors' care home operator is making efforts to preventmental health problems among itsresidents. With no visitors, social isolation could lead to depression.

Health

• Prior to Sunday'spress conference, many seniors' homes and community care facilities across the province had alreadyclosed to outside visitors. That is now recommended for all such facilities.
• Health PEI is rescheduling non-essential appointments, and said those affected will be contacted directly.
• People who are ill or showing any symptoms of illness are being asked to call 811 andstay away from any P.E.I. health-care centres, unlessthey areseeking treatment.
• Morrisonconfirmed the first case of COVID-19on P.E.I.Saturday. The case is a Queens County woman in her 50s whoreturned last weekend from a cruise. She is self-isolating and is reported to be doing well.

Schools, colleges and university

• The government has closed P.E.I. schools until at least April 6, but online learning could begin as soon as March 23.
• On Sunday evening, Morrison and Minister of Education Brad Trivers announced the closures of child-care centres and schools in response to COVID-19 on P.E.I.
• UPEI hassuspendedin-person classesfor the remainder of the semester.
• Holland College announced classes at all locations will be suspendedMarch 16-20.

Travel

• Saturday morning, Canadians abroad were advised to return home as soon as possible while commercial flights remain available. Some Islanders in Europe have already had their flights cancelled, and are having trouble re-booking.
• P.E.I. is recommending Islanderscancelall non-essential traveloutside Canada.
• Any Islanders who have travelled outside of Canada whether experiencing symptoms or not are recommended to self-isolate for 14 days following their return if they travelled after March 8.
• The federal government announced Fridaythere will be aban on boats and cruise ships carrying more than 500 people fromdocking at Canadian ports until July

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.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Isolate yourself andcall your local public health authority. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested.

How can I protect myself?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Be aware ofevolving travel advisoriesto different regions.

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

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