Province also establishing toll-free number to assist employers in addressing their concerns and support needs
Premier Dennis King has put the entire Prince Edward Island under a state of public health emergency and put $25 million into an Emergency Contingency Fund for workers, including people who are self-employed and small businesses who are affected by COVID-19.
“We know the decisions that we are making today as Cabinet and as a government are significant; however, we are making them with the best interests, health and safety of Islanders in mind,” said King.
The contingency fund is one of the measures being taken during the pandemic. Other measures include establishing a toll-free number to assist employers in addressing their concerns and support needs; actively monitoring the supply chain impacts; exploring compensation plans for childcare staff and moving provincial government departments and agencies to essential services.
The province is also cancelling all government-initiated public consultation sessions.
State of public health emergency
While the province is under a state of public health emergency, its Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison will be able to order Islanders to refrain from attending any public gatherings; align resources to where they are needed most and manage hospitals and other health care facilities and ambulance services.
“I want to thank all Islanders for their patience and for the role they are all playing in helping to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19. It is important that we continue to work together as that is how we will get through this unprecedented situation,” said King.
“I encourage every Islander, whether you’re a political leader, employer, or a leader of an organization that represents Islanders across our province, to continue following the advice of Dr. Morrison.”
