COVID-19: A Refresher

COVID-19 is a new virus that spreads through drops of saliva from the mouth or droplets from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. COVID-19 is not just the flu, it is much more contagious and can spread rapidly through our communities.  

Symptoms 

• Common: fever, cough, difficulty breathing 

• Severe: Persistent pain and pressure in the chest, trouble breathing, mental confusion, blush lips or face, pneumonia in both lungs, etc.  

High Risk Groups  

• People 70+ years of age 

• Pregnant women 

• People living with underlying health problems like heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and cancer 

Prevention is the only way to limit the spread of COVID-19. Follow the recommendations below to protect yourself, your family, & your community. 

1. Stay at Home  

• Only leave your home to buy essentials like groceries, medications, or other household items
• Avoid using public transportation, taxis, or ride share services
• If you cannot avoid public transportation, maintain a safe distance from other travelers and avoid touching surfaces 

2. Wash Your Hands 

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as you can
• Make sure you wash the front and back of your hands, and in between your fingers
• When you are done, dry your hands with a clean towel 
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth  

3. Avoid Contact with Others 

• Do not make physical contact with others through handshakes and hugs 
• Do not have visitors in your home unless it is necessary   
• Avoid contact with the elderly and other people who may be at higher risk of getting sick  
• Make sure that shared spaces in your home have good airflow; open windows where you can 
• If avoiding contact with people is not possible, keep a distance of at least 2 metres from other people at all times 

4. Cough or Sneeze into a Tissue or Your Elbow 

• Do not cough into your hand 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw the tissue out in a covered wastebasket and follow by washing your hands 

5. Self-isolate If You Feel Sick  

• If you are sick or experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, isolate yourself for 14 days starting on the day you start to feel sick  
• At home, try to isolate yourself from family by staying in a different part of the house; in shared spaces, keep a distance of at least 2 metres from your family 
• You can stop self-isolating after 14 days if you no longer have a fever and your other symptoms have improved 
• Continue to keep your distance from people after you self-isolate
• If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, take the Government of Canada’s online self-assessment and follow the recommendations; if necessary, call your local public health authority