March 15, 2020 - Premier King speaks with Charlottetown Mayor
Today, Premier Dennis King spoke by phone with Charlottetown Mayor Phillip Brown to discuss ongoing coordination and readiness with the potential impacts of COVID-19 in the province.
Premier King updated the mayor on provincial efforts to respond to both health and non-health related impacts of COVID-19 and asked for continued partnership to help minimize the short and long-term impact to Islanders.
Three task groups have been established to provide rapid response to the potential non-health related impacts of COVID-19. This is in addition to the provincial COVID-19 situation response table which has been in operation for two weeks. The three groups are focused on economic and business support, labour and social supports, and the maintenance of essential services offered across government.
A Joint Health Response Team has also been operational the past two weeks and the Emergency Measures Organization is activated.
Mayor Brown offered the Premier his best wishes and updated the Premier on the efforts the municipality has taken including closures to recreation and community centres.
The two discussed their shared desire to minimize economic disruptions, in particular the effects on the cruise ship industry and primary industries. The Mayor brought up the need to advocate to the federal government to expand Employment Insurance benefits to not only sick-leave benefits but all EI benefits. Premier King agreed this was a priority as well as ensuring those Islanders who are near the end of their EI benefits are not negatively impacted.
The health and safety of Islanders is the greatest priority. The Province of Prince Edward Island is working closely with local, provincial, territorial and federal partners to minimize its health, economic and social impacts in Prince Edward Island and across the county. The overall risk to the province remains low at this time.
Islanders with questions about COVID-19 should call PEI’s toll-free information line at 1-800-958-6400. The information line is taking messages 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Islanders who leave messages will receive a call back within 24 hours.
Islanders experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or shortness of breath) within 14-days after international travel should call 8-1-1 to be screened and, if necessary, directed for testing. Those requiring immediate medical attentions should call 9-1-1.