If you have questions related to COVID-19 testing and isolation guidelines, please call the Provincial Testing and Isolation Information line at 1-888-777-0730
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 droplets vary in size from large droplets that fall to the ground rapidly (within seconds or minutes) near the infected person, to smaller droplets, sometimes called aerosols, which linger in the air under some circumstances.
The COVID-19 virus is most commonly spread from an infected person through:
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.
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:
Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2 to 10 days after exposure to someone with COVID-19.
The most common symptoms include:
Other symptoms can include:
Wear a mask |
Masks are still an important tool in protection when we are in places that have close faces or enclosed spaces. |
Stay home when you are sick |
If you have symptoms, you are required to self-isolate immediately and get tested for COVID-19 if you are eligible. |
Stay 2 metres (6 feet) apart |
Physical distancing means staying 2 metres apart from people outside of your household. Make changes in your everyday routines to minimize close contact with others:
|
Wash your hands frequently |
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or clean with alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60-90% alcohol). Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. |
Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette |
When coughing or sneezing:
|
Ensure proper ventilation in indoor areas |
Maximize ventilation by ensuring that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are in good working order. Drawing as much fresh air as possible from outside will decrease the concentration of aerosols that may be suspended in the air and could contain the COVID-19 virus. When possible, keep windows open (e.g., in a house or vehicle). |