COVID-19
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.
COVID-19 spreads from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets and aerosols created when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts, or talks.
The COVID-19 virus is most commonly spread from an infected person through:
- Respiratory secretions (e.g., runny nose, saliva) and droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
- Close, prolonged personal contact, such as living in the same household or working directly with someone who is infected with the virus.
The virus may also spread through touching an object with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
Higher risk individuals |
People of any age or health status can develop COVID-19. However, some people are at higher risk of becoming severely ill if they are infected with COVID-19:
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Symptoms of COVID-19 |
Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. If you feel sick, it's important that you stay home and talk with a primary care provider or doctor if necessary. The most common symptoms include:
Other symptoms can include:
If you develop severe symptoms requiring medical attention, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911 and inform them that you may have COVID-19. |
Assessment |
If you require a clinical assessment for COVID-19 symptoms or access to antiviral treatment, you should contact your family doctor. If you cannot access your family doctor or do not have a family doctor, contact Health811, by dialing 811 (TTY 1-866-797-0007), or join a live chat with a health care navigator. |
Testing |
People in the following higher-risk groups are eligible to be testedSymptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups (those with * may also be eligible for treatment including antiviral treatment):
Symptomatic and asymptomatic people:
If eligible, where can I get tested?Testing is NOT available at KFL&A Public Health offices. 1 - PharmaciesFor a full list of COVID-19 Assessment Centres and pharmacies that provide testing in Ontario, visit the Government of Ontario’s directory and search by city, town or postal code. 2 - Take home rapid antigen test kits (RAT)RAT kits are available through the Province of Ontario, and distributed through pharmacy and grocery stores across the province. A list of participating retailers as well as information on how retail locations are distributing rapid test kits can be found at Ontario.ca/rapidtest. What do I do after getting tested?Carefully read the instructions you are provided when you were tested. Please follow the recommendations for isolation, and when you can return to work or school. Options to view test results:
KFL&A Public Health cannot provide test results for individuals if they were not tested by KFL&A Public Health. |
Antiviral treatment |
You may be eligible for an antiviral treatment called Paxlovid.
COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener This treatment must start within five days of when symptoms start. Contact your family doctor to be assessed. If you cannot access your family doctor, or do not have a family doctor, contact Health811, by dialing 811 (TTY 1-866-797-0007), or join a live chat with a health care navigator for health advice or information. |