COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, April 9

There were no new cases of COVID-19 identified Thursday, saidP.E.I. chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison at an early afternoon news briefing.

Morrison announced the province's 25th case late in the day Wednesday. That is the province's first case related to interprovincial travel. On Thursday, Morrison said the man is in his 50s,from Queens County and is at home and doing well.

The chief public health officer also said that another individual was charged and fined $1,000 for failing to self-isolate.

The P.E.I. government has announced a new fund to help those in the agriculture sector negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of Agriculture Bloyce Thompson announced the $750,000 COVID strategic fund for agriculture at a 4 p.m. news briefing Thursday.

The P.E.I. government has estimated the pandemic could cost the economy 20,000 jobs by May, about 25 per cent of total employment.

Job numbers for March werereleased by Statistics Canada Thursday.

The number of jobs fell by 2,100, or 2.6 per cent. Nationally the numbers were much worse with a million jobs lost, a drop of 5.2 per cent.

Atlantic Beef Products in Borden-Carleton is taking extra care about the health of its workers. Temperatures are being checked as workers start their shift and part-way through as well.

Holland College has introduced some grade relief for its students.

Minister of Transportation Steven Myers said government is workingwith Rodd Royalty Inn and Suites to make rooms available for truckers at a discount.

The ferry service between P.E.I. and Nova Scotia is set to begin May 1, but there are new measures, includingpre-screening passengers for signs of the coronavirus, and reducing the number of vehicles allowed on each ferry crossingto allow for social distancing.

The City of Charlottetown has closed its sports courts, effective immediately, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent stories

• No new confirmed cases of COVID-19 for P.E.I. Thursday.
• P.E.I. government announces new $750K fund for farmers during COVID-19 pandemic.
• Discounted accommodations available for truckers on P.E.I. during pandemic.
• P.E.I.-N.S. ferry service set to start May 1 with some big changes.
• Charlottetown closes sports courts to preventCOVID-19 spread.
• P.E.I. family doctors picking up extra duties to help with COVID-19 pandemic.
• Health Minister James Aylward's decision 'stunningly irresponsible,' says Official Opposition.
• P.E.I. health minister did not self-isolate right away after international travel.
• 'More needs to be done to protect nurses,' says P.E.I. Nurses' Union.

• Islanders are making and selling fabric masks during COVID-19 pandemic

• The P.E.I. Fishermen's Association is surveying its members on whether the spring lobster season should proceed as scheduled.
• Why self-employed Islanders feel federal COVID-19 subsidies are leaving them out.

Further resources

• Here isinformation for living with the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures, andessential health services.
• Here is 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 a self-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.
• Practise physical distancing.

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

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