Prince Edward Island declares a state of emergency

To further enhance and support existing efforts to protect the health, safety and welfare of Islanders, the province has today declared a state of emergency and renewed the state of public health emergency.

Premier Dennis King extended the state of public health emergency initially declared under the Public Health Act on March 16 for an additional 30 days to ensure Prince Edward Island’s Chief Public Health Officer continues to have the necessary authority to lead the province’s ongoing public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“From the beginning, I have said we will take our direction in navigating this unprecedented situation from Dr. Morrison. She has been steadfast in doing what is right to keep Islanders safe and we must continue to follow her lead. We have been clear in our commitment to supporting her efforts, as she needs us to do right now, and we will not hesitate to make difficult decisions quickly to help our province get through this pandemic. Together, we can and we will persevere through this.”

- Premier Dennis King

To further support the provincial public health response to the global pandemic, and following discussions with Dr. Morrison, Justice and Public Safety Minister Bloyce Thompson today confirmed that a state of emergency is being declared across the province until the end of the month under the Emergency Measures Act. This additional state of emergency complements the existing authority set out in the public health order and enables a more efficient deployment of resources that will assist the Chief Public Health Officer’s guidance to protect Islanders, particularly through enhanced controls and screening at points of entry.

The Emergency Measures Organization, under the direction of the Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will support the Chief Public Health Office in controlling access at various points of entry to the province, along with any other access points to the province and, where applicable, direct individuals to leave Prince Edward Island. This includes, but is not limited to, the Confederation Bridge, the Charlottetown airport, ferry terminals at Wood Islands and Souris, as well as any port, harbour, wharf, launching, beach, and any part of the provincial shoreline. 

“Dr. Morrison has been a strong leader for all Islanders through this pandemic,” said Minister Thompson. “Putting this order through today, and further engaging the Emergency Measures Organization and law enforcement, will give her more tools at her disposal to do what is needed to protect the health and safety of Islanders. Let’s continue doing what she asks of us every day so that we can come out of this on top.”

During the period of the state of emergency, individuals travelling to Prince Edward Island will be required to disclose the purpose of their travel to determine if it is deemed essential or not as per the direction of the Chief Public Health Office to the Emergency Measures Organization by email publicsafety@gov.pe.ca or by phone 902-894-0385. This process will complement current border controls and screenings in place in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 

The state of emergency will be in effect from April 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. to April 30, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. 

Media Contact:
Amanda Hamel
Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Office of the Premier
(902) 368-4400
ahamel@gov.pe.ca