Coronavirus (COVID-19) is top of mind of with new headlines appearing every time we check the news. This week, the World Health Organization declared Coronavirus a pandemic. Although the risk remains low in Prince Edward Island, that could change in the days or weeks ahead. The question about whether PEI will be impacted appears to have shifted from if to when.
Many municipalities offer services such as fire protection, drinking water, wastewater, road and sidewalk maintenance, recreations programs and much more. Key personnel who deliver these and other services could be affected, and essential products for delivering services might not be available. Has your municipality considered what steps it will take to minimize the impact if an outbreak occurs on PEI?
To ensure a prepared response and recovery to the potential impacts, municipalities are encouraged to:
- Monitor, follow and share the advice of PEI’s Chief Public Health Officer (PEI alerts and advisories are available at: Alerts and Advisories)
- Read/update any relevant municipal plans (emergency preparedness; flu pandemic; and business continuity)
In 2009, the Town of Stratford developed a flu pandemic plan, which is available in the resources section of our website. The plan is intended to support business continuity in the event of a pandemic. It allows the Town to predetermine what services are essential to continue in the event of a local flu epidemic and what employees, contractors and supplies are required to deliver those services. The plan also addresses the impact on employees and their families, and it includes measures to help to slow or contain the spread of the virus. It is recognized that these measures will not likely stop the spread of the virus but they should help to spread out the peak period of sickness which will allow the health care system to better cope with the virus and allow the town to better continue with the provision of services.
Stratford is currently updating its plan and it will be posted on the FPEIM website when it becomes available.
Do you have other questions about Coronavirus? Visit the provincial government’s COVID-19 page, frequently asked questions page or the advisory on the Coronavirus infection on their website. If you have questions for PEI EMO you can contact them via email at emo@gov.pe.ca or by calling us at 902-894-0385.