COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening Thursday, Sept. 24

An alert app and a saliva test for COVID-19 are likely coming to P.E.I. in the next few months, according to Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison.

The federal government's announcement during the throne speechto extend the Canada emergency wage subsidy programwas "encouraging"for a P.E.I. tourism operator.

Charlottetown council has decided to defer the city's scheduled parking rate increase to 2021 in an effort to get more business to the city's downtown stores and restaurants.

One new case of COVID-19 was reported on P.E.I. on Wednesday.

This is the 58th confirmed case on the Island. The other 57 are considered recovered. There have been no hospitalizations or deaths, and there is no evidence of community spread.

Retail sales are down overall in the pandemic, but there havebeen both winners and losers.

Traffic at Charlottetown Airport was down 94 per cent over the summerand nowthe Atlantic Canada Airport Associationis asking the federal government for financial support.

TheAPM Centre in Cornwall, P.E.I., is anticipating its first loss in 18 years. Therecreational facility makes money off membership and rental feesboth dropped during the pandemic.

A new incubatorfor the neonatal ICU at the Queen Elizabeth Hospitalwill keep more babies on the Island. The Wo-He-Lo group raised moneyfor the machineonline afterCOVID-19 cancelled thespring and fall clothing fundraisers.

Also in the news

• Dr. Heather Morrison is warning that with case numbers rising in other parts of Canada Islanders must be on guard against a second wave of COVID-19.
• Trick or treating will be allowed this Halloween, despite the pandemic.
• As the term starts at Holland College, here's how two instructors are adjusting to educate their students during the pandemic.
• A P.E.I.man has failed in his effort to fight a $1,000 fine for failing to self-isolate due to COVID-19.

Further resources

• Here isinformation for livingwith the COVID-19 pandemic on P.E.I. including information on government relief programs, physical distancing measures, and essential health services.
• Here is achart tracking COVID-19 numbers and a timeline of COVID-19-related events on P.E.I.
• Here isa guide onwhat parents and students need to knowabout attending school.

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