COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Wednesday, May 13

Another 264 negative COVID-19 tests have come backsince Monday, said Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'schief public health officer.

The number of confirmed cases on P.E.I. remains at 27. All have recovered.

Earlier this week, the province eased self-isolation rules for truckers. On Wednesday, Morrison extended that to other essential workers.

She said essential workers could be tested uponarrival, likely at cough and feverclinics. They wouldself-isolate until the first test comes back negative, then get tested again every seven days if they remain on the Island.

Morrison said the eased restrictions do not apply to workers in long-term care homes.

Premier Dennis King said he is saddened and disappointed at the behaviour of some Islanders over the last eight weeks. He said while COVID-19 has brought out the best in many Islanders, it has brought out the worst in others.

Lobster season will start Friday with special protocols in place.

King laidout the basics of P.E.I.'s child-care plan.

The P.E.I. Native Council says members are facing mental health, housing and other struggles through the pandemic.

Ferry service from P.E.I. to Nova Scotia willresumeFriday, but only for large trucks. No food will be served.

Also in the news

• Thousands of CRA employees, including about 150 on P.E.I., have stepped up to process millions of Canada emergency benefit applications.
• The province announced supports to help address the challenges of separation, divorce and parenting from multiple homes during COVID-19.
• Old Home Week and the Summerside Lobster Carnival will not go ahead as planned this summer because of COVID-19 restrictions, but they haven't been cancelled altogether.

Further resources

• Here isinformation for livingwith the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures, andessential health services.
• Here arecharts tracking COVID-19 numbers and 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 aself-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.
• Practisephysical distancing.

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

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