NORTH RUSTICO, P.E.I. — Harry Moreland has accepted that the coronavirus will have an impact on his tourism-dependent business.
"My wife and I are going to hurt like all other Islanders are going to hurt."
The owners of Harbour Light Haven, a year-round cottage rental overlooking the Rustico Bay, recently sold a van which they would use to give tours. Their cottage has been fully booked for the summer season since last year, but Moreland expects that to change in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
He's more concerned about the lack of discussion on how the P.E.I. government plans to handle it once tourism season begins. Because according to him, there's already been an influx of sightseers passing through North Rustico.
Having operated his business for about 20 years, Moreland walks up and down Harbourview Drive every day for exercise. He's seeing an unusual increase in car traffic for this time of year, and notes many of the vehicle's license plates specify they're from off-Island, he said.
"This time of year you don't see tourism," he said. "Well, we are seeing tourism."
Whether this is related to COVID-19 or not, he can't say — he speculates it's people, many of whom are families, wanting to get outside during their self-isolation. Moreland has spoken with other residents who share his concerns toward this off-season influx, he said.
And action has been taken by the community. A closure sign had to be posted on the view finder overlooking the bay's Acadian fisherman statue because too many sightseers were using it and it has the potential to be unsanitary.
"You cannot let finances overrule common sense. The health of all Islanders is more important here."
THE UNKNOWN
Kevin Mouflier, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. (TIAPEI), couldn't speak to what decisions may have to be made concerning P.E.I.'s tourism industry as the pandemic continues.
"It's the unknown right now," he said.
Mouflier has been communicating regularly with the Department of Tourism and his tourism industry association counterparts across Canada. One way TIAPEI is responding is by sending out surveys to industry members to see how they can best be aided.
"We all have to work together. We have to plan together."
He's already seeing layoffs in P.E.I.'s industry and hopes businesses won't have to close permanently as a result of the pandemic, he said.
But Moreland is hoping for more clarity on what pandemic protocal will be during the province's upcoming tourism season, such as whether there will be regulations or restrictions.
"What are we going to do if we have a whole lot of tourists on the Island and have a serious outbreak?"
He fears further increases in tourism could strain P.E.I.'s health-care system should the virus's spread escalate. This could also apply to those who live off-Island in the winter and may be planning to return to their Island summer homes, of which there are many in his area, Moreland said.
"Should they be remaining in their home provinces?"
Dr. Heather Morrison, P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, touched on this question during her COVID-19 update on March 27. Her only message was that those planning to move to their Island homes or cottages must ensure they have people to support them during their mandatory 14-day isolation.
"If not, you should stay home until you're able to do so."
Morrison also reminded the public that all unnessary travel onto P.E.I. is prohibited.
"We continue to see too many people leaving and arriving to P.E.I. for personal reasons," she said.
Moreland understands the provincial health office is busy working out many of these important details. And, he knows first-hand the importance of tourism to P.E.I.'s economy and how bringing this topic forward might come with a cost for many businesses.
"(But) you cannot let finances overrule common sense," he said. "The health of all Islanders is more important here."
