Abegweit First Nation declares state of emergency amid COVID-19

The Abegweit First Nation has declared a state of emergency, according to a news release issued Monday.

Abegweit Chief Roderick (Junior) Gould and council reached the decision with the health and well-being of the community in mind, and the aim of allowing for a quick response totheCOVID-19 pandemic should it become necessary, the release said.

According to the release, the state of emergency will also allow the Abegweit First Nation to mirror the province's declaration and align with the provincial Emergency Measures Organization and public health measures.

Abegweit First Nation has no current plans to take any immediate actions, the release said. Should that change, the community will be notified.

"We're simply being as prepared as we can be to act and protect ourselves as individuals, families, and as a community," Gould said in the release.

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 news from CBC P.E.I.