Where to find help in P.E.I. during the COVID-19 crisis

In an effort to help Islanders navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together, while they stay apart, the P.E.I. government has created its Islanders Helping Islanders Volunteers Service Directory.

The directory is an initiative put together bypolitical parties on the Island to help people offer and access help in one place, said Minister of Social Development Ernie Hudson in a briefing on Friday afternoon.

"In such uncertain and difficulttimes, it is important to draw on strong community ties and rely on each other to ensure the wellbeing and inclusion of all Islanders, particularly the most vulnerable," he said.

Hudson said MLAs Cory Deagle, Lynne Lund and GordMcNeillyhave spearheadedthe collaborative effort to develop the new resource for Islanders in all 27 electoral districts.

The directory includes a list of groups and people from tip-to-tip who are ready to extend a helping hand. It has hundreds of numbers and emails and Hudson expects it to grow over the coming days.

'We can continue to serve'

Other online resources include the Caremongering group on Facebook, which has over 3,000 members all sharing ideas and and tips on self-isolation and physical distancing as well as helping each otherduring times like this.

As well, organizations and individuals across the Island are providing services like senior check-ins, dog walking and grocery drop-offs.

Groupslike the SourisLions Club, which has been offering medication drop-offs to residentsas their regular programming has been put on hold due tothe pandemic.

There's a group of Lions Club members that are ready to help. Allan Campbell

"Our initiative to partner with our local grocers and our pharmacies is just one idea that we came up with ... where we can still continue to serve that community when it needs it the most," saidAllan Campbell, president of the club.

"Of course we have a number of people for different reasons, whether they're seniors or self-isolating, that, you know, are not able to go out and do their own shopping and there's a group of Lions Club members that are ready to help," he said.

Hudson said Island organizations or groups wishing to add their contact information to the directory are encouraged to get in touch with theirMLA.

Thoselooking to access thedirectory for help can head to the province's website. In addition to the directory, Islanders can call1-833-533-9333 for answers to general questions about COVID-19.

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms ofCOVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Isolate yourself andcall your local public health authority. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested.

How can I protect myself?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Be aware ofevolving travel advisoriesto different regions.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on thefederal government's website.

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