4 new cases of COVID-19 on P.E.I., bringing total to 9

Four new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed on P.E.I., says chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison.

All four are men between the ages of 55 and 70 who travelled internationally and self-isolated upon return.

"It's a great example, again, and I thank people for self-isolating," said Morrison. "In so-doing, they have protected many other Islanders."

Two of the men are from Queens County, and two are from Prince County.

One travelled to the U.S., one to the Caribbean and two to Europe. There is no connection between the men.

Morrison said there was a range of symptoms among P.E.I.'s four new confirmed cases, including aches, fatigue, cough and fever. She said they've all been back in the province in self-isolation for about a week.

"I'm hoping none of them will be hospitalized ... the symptoms certainly are quite typical with what we know of COVID-19," she said.

The new cases bring the total to nine on the Island. All nine individuals travelled internationally.

'Where the real work starts'

Morrison said public health nursing will initiate a followup with them Thursday night and get further details to begin the contact-tracing process.

She said that process could become more challenging for public health officials as the number of Island cases increases.

"They are expecting that this is where the real work starts with so many new cases," Morrison said.

"There will be lots of work for them, but I do think it's manageable ... their role is so important."

Morrison said contact-tracing can be an easy or difficult process, depending on how many people someone has interacted with.

"If one case hasn't been anywhere, seen anyone, travelled with anyone else except a partner, then that makes the contact-tracing much easier than say what happened in Newfoundland," she said, referencing the 44 the presumptive cases who all attended a funeral in St. John's last week.

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

• 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 social distancing.

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

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