P.E.I. announces financial relief for Islanders during COVID-19 pandemic

The P.E.I. government has announced a financial relief package to help support the province's most vulnerable people who may not be drawing a paycheque during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many businesses and workplaces are closing after P.E.I. declared a public health emergency on Monday. On Tuesday, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison urged Islanders not to leave their homes unless essential. 

"In these unprecedented times and these moments of great stress, we want to make sure we're doing what's right to help reduce the pressure on Islanders," Premier Dennis King told Islanders by video chat from self-isolation, during a 5 p.m. media briefing.

"With the closures recently announced, we very much recognize there are numerous impacts and socioeconomic ones."

Helping vulnerable Islanders

P.E.I.'s Minister of Social Development and Housing Ernie Hudson announced a $500,000 fund for community partners delivering services to Islanders.

The United Way will receive $250,000, P.E.I. food banks will receive $100,000, the Salvation Army will receive $100,000 for home heating, and $50,000 will go toward a contingency fund for non profits.

"Our network of community partners is best able to deliver services to communities in need," said Hudson. 

Premier Dennis King also announced $500 per week for self-employed Islanders who are significantly affected. Starting Wednesday. Innovation PEI will have more information on its website.

There will also be emergency financing for small businesses through a loan of up to $100,000 with a fixed interest rate of four per cent. More details will available Wednesday on the Finance PEI website, officials said. 

King said that in the first day of the emergency contingency fund business hotline, announced yesterday, they have received 400 calls.

The province will also be suspending evictions by the P.E.I. Housing Corporation, the largest landlord in the province, for six weeks. This includes eviction notices that have already been served.

"This is not the time to be evicting people because they can't pay their bills," said King, noting he will be speaking with other landlords in the province in the days to come.

King said he would be "trying to appeal to the better nature of all Islanders in this difficult time."

Under a public health emergency, the province does not have the authority to order landlords in the private sector to suspend evictions, he noted.

Hudson also added that they've been in contact with P.E.I. shelters and they will remain open for Islanders experiencing homelessness. The community outreach centre at 211 Euston Street will also remain open.

In an earlier press conference Tuesday, Health PEI's Chief of Nursing Marion Dowling said that though many non-essential appointments were being cancelled, Health PEI is working to make mental health resources available online.

'Taking social distancing very seriously'

Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Steven Myers also announced a list of government buildings that will be closing, including libraries and museums. 

"We are taking social distancing very seriously in the provincial government offices," said Myers.

Access PEI locations and the Provincial Administration Building will close, as will Island Waste Management offices, though collections will continue.

There will be a 60-day grace period for licences and registrations, said Myers, and they are trying to work out an online payment process.

There is still only one reported case of COVID-19 on P.E.I.

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 and call 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 of evolving travel advisories to different regions.

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

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