COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
COVID-19 Quick Links
- COVID-19 Test Results
- COVID-19 Assessment Centres
- COVID-19 Dashboard
- COVID-19 Provincial Hotline (Testing, Isolation and Information) 1-800-777-0730 8am - 6pm, daily
Principles for Living with COVID-19
Read our full guidance for public health principles geared to workplaces and community settings, and geared to individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Topic or Question | Best Resource |
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Symptoms of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19? |
What to do if you have symptoms of, or an exposure to, COVID-19 |
COVID-19 testing, suspected cases, self-isolation, exposures |
What to do if you've been exposed to COVID-19 Provincial Testing and Isolation Information Line: |
COVID-19 test results |
Visit the Ontario COVID-19 Test Results page, or call the Assessment Centre where you were tested |
COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5 - 11 | Resources on youth vaccination |
Should I go to work or school? | Use the most appropriate screening tool |
Symptoms of COVID-19 | Ontario's list of symptoms |
Adverse event following immunization | Call your primary care provider |
Concerns about a businesses not following current COVID-19 restrictions |
How to file a complaint (Ministry of Labour) |
Free rapid tests | |
Treatment for COVID-19 |
Connect with a clinical assessment centre if eligible for assessment |
Understanding COVID-19: Exposure, Symptoms, Testing, Isolation and Treatment
COVID-19 Basics |
What is COVID-19?On December 31, 2019, Chinese health authorities identified a new (or novel) coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19) through a series of reported cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that circulate both in humans and animals. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illness, similar to the “common cold” or more severe illnesses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). How does COVID-19 spread?COVID-19 spreads through droplets or aerosols released when an infected person talks, coughs, sneezes, sings or shouts. These infectious droplets or aerosols can easily spread to others when they are inhaled or reach the nose, mouth or eyes of people in poorly ventilated spaces or in close contact. The virus can also spread when a person touches another person (i.e. a handshake) or a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands. The virus can be spread to others from someone who is infected but is not showing symptoms (either because they haven’t yet developed symptoms or are asymptomatic). What are the symptoms of COVID-19?Symptoms of COVID-19, which is the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus, range from mild — like the flu and other common respiratory infections — to severe. Symptoms include:
Please use the COVID-19 Self Assessment if you are experiencing the symptoms listed above. If you have symptoms, you and anyone you live with must self-isolate. Learn more about what to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19 here. Please see COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms for more information related to symptoms. |
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 |
At Southwestern Public Health we encourage individuals, community organizations and workplaces to make decisions based on the risk of the individuals around them. Review our public health principles for protecting vulnerable citizens. One document is geared to workplaces and community settings, and the other is geared to individuals.
Additional recommendations:
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COVID-19 Testing |
Who is currently eligible for COVID-19 testing?View the Provincial Testing Guidance for a full list of those currently eligible for testing. Molecular tests (including PCR tests and molecular point of care testing):
Rapid antigen tests:
PCR tests:
Should I complete a rapid antigen test before attending a social gathering or event?Many people are looking for reassurance prior to attending a social event/gathering/visit and may choose to complete a rapid antigen test. Infrequent rapid antigen test use should not be relied on as a measure to enable social activities. If you decide to complete a rapid antigen test before attending a social event/gathering/visit, you should complete it as close to the event as possible (e.g. on the same day, ideally within a few hours of the event). It is important to recognize the limitations of a negative result on a rapid antigen test including:
What are PCR self-collection kits?Symptomatic elementary and secondary school students may receive a PCR self-collection kit from their school if available. The use of take-home PCR self-collection kits will only be used in limited circumstances. These kits are to be provided only to symptomatic elementary/secondary students and education staff who become symptomatic while at school. PCR self-collection kits will not be provided to individuals experiencing single symptoms that only require isolation until the symptom is improving for 24-48 hours (e.g., runny nose), or to entire classes. PCR self-collection kits will come with instructions. Travel-related COVID-19 testsCOVID-19 testing for travel purposes is done through private clinics. You can view a list of some clinics that offer international travel testing for a fee here. Visit travel.gc.ca to determine if COVID-19 testing is required before you travel. |
Testing Positive or Having Symptoms of COVID-19 |
What do I do if I have symptoms of illness?If you are feeling unwell, take the COVID-19 Self-Assessment to determine if you have symptoms of COVID-19 and need to self-isolate. A full listing of COVID-19 symptoms can be found here. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, follow the advice below for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. If you have symptoms that are not included in the COVID-19 symptom list or you have only one of the minor symptoms of COVID-19 (runny nose/nasal congestion, headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches/joint pain, gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea) stay home until symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours for GI symptoms) to limit the spread of other illnesses that the individual may have and to monitor for the development of additional symptoms. Household members and other contacts of these individuals do not need to self-isolate as long as they have no symptoms. If you develop additional symptoms and now meet the criteria for COVID-19 symptoms (for example, you had only a runny nose and now have sore throat as well), you and your household should follow the guidance below for individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. If you are having difficulty breathing or a medical emergency, call 911 or visit a local emergency department. You have symptoms and are concerned you may have COVID-19. Now what? (Ontario) What do I do if I tested positive or have symptoms of COVID-19?Antiviral treatment for COVID-19 is currently available for select individuals at higher risk of illness. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, check your eligibility and book an appointment at a COVID-19 clinical assessment centre for testing, assessment and care if you are eligible. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 on a PCR or a Rapid Antigen Test OR you have symptoms of COVID-19, you are required to self-isolate.
Unfortunately at this time, public health units are only following COVID-19 cases in highest-risk settings. Follow the self-isolation requirements which apply to you.
If a school-aged child or youth tests positive, they are required to follow the instructions above but do not have to report the results to the school. Please review our Symptoms or Exposure to COVID-19 Resource for more guidance. How do I calculate the end of my isolation?If you are isolating because of symptoms or a positive test – your symptom onset date or test date (whichever is first) is considered “day 0.” What do my household members do if I have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19?Household members of the COVID-19 positive case/individual with COVID-19 symptoms should generally self-isolate while the individual with COVID-19 symptoms is isolating, with the following exceptions:
If self-isolation is complete after 5 days, or if self-isolation is not required (because you meet one of the above exceptions), for a total of 10 days after last exposure to the COVID-19 case/symptomatic individual, all household members must:
What if I tested positive and work in a highest-risk setting?If you live, work or volunteer in a highest-risk setting, and you either have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19 on a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test, you must:
Highest-risk settings include hospitals (including complex continuing care facilities and paramedic services), home and community care workers and congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals, including, but not limited to, long-term care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, correctional institutions, Provincial Demonstration Schools and hospital schools. What if someone else in my household develops symptoms?If additional household members develop COVID-19 symptoms, they should follow isolation directions for symptomatic individuals (see above) and if eligible for testing, they should seek testing. Any other household members who are required to self isolate (see household member section above) who are still well and have not developed COVID-19 symptoms should extend their self-isolation until the last symptomatic or COVID-19 positive person has finished their self isolation period. The initial household member(s) with symptoms of COVID-19 do not have to extend their self-isolation period based on other household members becoming ill. What do I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19 but test negative on a Rapid Antigen Test?A single rapid antigen test in an individual with COVID-19 symptoms does not mean that they do not have COVID-19 infection. People infected with COVID-19 may test negative for several days before testing positive on a Rapid Antigen Test. Therefore, a negative test may represent a false negative and the infection status of the individual may change within hours of taking the test. If two consecutive rapid antigen tests, separated by 24-48 hours, are both negative, the symptomatic individual is less likely to have COVID-19 infection. However, the individual is still required to self-isolate until ALL of the following apply:
Learn more about using Rapid Antigen Tests if you have COVID-19 symptoms. What happens if I continue to test positive on a rapid test after my isolation period is complete? Should I continue to self-isolate?It is not required for an individual to test negative on a RAT or PCR test to confirm completion of their self-isolation after having COVID-19. If you have completed the required self-isolation, you have no fever, and your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms), you can generally return to work and resume activities. As an additional precaution, for a total of 10 days from symptom onset, even if self-isolation was complete after 5 days, individuals who were symptomatic or tested positive must continue to wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings, not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (i.e. seniors) and not visit any highest risk settings.
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How can I access treatment (antiviral medication)? |
The oral antiviral Paxlovid, manufactured by Pfizer, was approved by Health Canada on January 17, 2022 and is now available for individuals with symptoms (if even if mild) who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. If you are eligible it is important to act quickly to get tested and assessed as treatment must begin within five days of symptom onset. The province has developed a COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener tool that can help assess if you are eligible for treatment. You may wish to check your eligibility even if you do not have symptoms so that you are prepared and knowledgeable about options available if you get sick. If you have symptoms and wish to be assessed for possible treatment with antivirals, make an appointment at a local COVID-19 clinical assessment centre (which can provide testing, assessment, and provide treatment or a prescription) or contact your primary care provider. Learn more about antiviral treatment. Note: If your symptoms worsen or become unmanageable at home, seek immediate medical attention. |
What do I do if I am a close contact of someone with COVID-19 |
If someone who does not live with you informs you that they have COVID-19 (either because they have symptoms or because they tested positive), and that you are a close contact, the following requirements apply to you. For a total of 10 days after the last interaction with the COVID-19 case, contacts must:
Learn more at Ontario.ca/exposed. If you’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (on PCR or Rapid Antigen Test) and you work, volunteer or attend a highest risk setting you should not work in that setting for 10 days from last exposure (unless required for critical work shortages as per this guidance). If the close contact has previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days they can attend work in the highest-risk setting as long as they are currently asymptomatic. These individuals are advised to self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days after last exposure. Highest-risk settings include hospitals (including complex continuing care facilities and paramedic services), home and community care workers and congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals, including, but not limited to, long-term care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, correctional institutions, Provincial Demonstration Schools and hospital schools. Who is considered a close contact of COVID-19 exposure?All people with test-confirmed or presumed COVID-19 (including those with symptoms of COVID-19 that do not have access to testing) should notify close contacts of their exposure. Close contacts include anyone that was in close proximity (less than 2 metres) to the case (or presumed case) of COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes or for multiple short periods of time without masking or the use of personal protective equipment, within the 48 hours before their symptoms started or they had a positive test (whichever came first). Individuals only exposed at school, childcare and in-person work with all public health measures in place are not generally considered high-risk contacts. However, depending on the nature and frequency of the interactions, specific individuals could be considered a high-risk contact (e.g., breakroom close unprotected contact). In schools, will students and staff members need to isolate when there is a positive COVID-19 case in the class/cohort?Given the widespread transmission and inability to test all symptomatic individuals, schools will not be routinely notifying students/pupils in classes with a positive case, or if a child/student or staff is absent due to symptoms associated with COVID-19. Families are to complete the COVID-19 school and child care screening tool to determine if they can attend school. Southwestern Public Health will no longer be notifying students or staff of high risk exposures at school or on the bus. The School Health Team at Southwestern Public Health is available to support schools. |
Self-Isolating |
Feeling unwell? Assume it is COVID-19. Read: What to do if you've been exposed to COVID-19 (Ontario) What is self-isolating?Self-isolating means staying at home when you have a symptom of COVID-19 or if you have been exposed to the virus. This prevents those who are sick or those who are at higher risk of getting sick from spreading illness to others in the community. Self-isolating means you cannot go to work, school or childcare. You should only leave your home to access emergency medical care or to seek COVID-19 testing (if eligible). If a person is self-isolating, they should:
Learn more about self-isolating. What is self-monitoring?Self-monitoring means paying attention to your health every day and watching for symptoms of COVID-19 illness. Learn more about self-monitoring. What should you do while self-isolating?While self-isolating, you should not leave home unless you are having a medical emergency or seeking time-sensitive health care services. Self-isolating is difficult, but just know that individuals and businesses are rising to the occasion and there is help for you and your family. Here is a quick guide for helping you with the essentials: How to Get Food:
How to Get Medications:
*if your request is urgent, please dial 2-1-1 as email is not monitored 24/7
How to Get Mental Health Services:
Tele visits with Doctors:
Other
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COVID-19 Variants of Concern |
What is a variant of concern?A variant is of concern when it affects:
About COVID-19 variants:All viruses, including the COVID-19 virus, change over time. The Public Health Agency of Canada works with provinces, territories and other partners to watch for new COVID-19 virus variants to identify variants of concern (VOC) in Canada and internationally. The five variants of concern include:
Please note that to assist with public discussions of variants, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced easy-to-pronounce and non-stigmatizing labels for variants of concern and variants of interest. At this time, WHO has recommended using letters of the Greek Alphabet as an easy and more practical way to refer to variants. This is how they will be referenced in the remainder of this page. Do the new variants of concern affect disease spread?All VOC seem to make the virus more infectious, allowing it to spread more easily and faster. The Omicron variant has been found to be more transmissible than the Delta variant; it is estimated that each Omicron case is infecting 4.5 times more individuals than Delta in Ontario. When greater transmission results in more people testing positive, then more hospitalizations, intensive care admissions and eventually deaths will follow. We know that current public health measures and restrictions and vaccines are effective at slowing the virus variants as well. While we continue to follow public health measures, it is particularly important for all eligible individuals to obtain their COVID-19 vaccines, including a third vaccine "booster" dose. A third vaccine dose has been found to increase short-term protection against symptomatic Omicron infection. We can also reduce the spread of the known virus variants by preventing them from entering Canada and from moving between provinces. To protect Canadians, travel restrictions by air and by land have been strengthened in response to the variants of concern. Do our current COVID-19 tests used to detect the virus work on the variants?Yes, our current testing devices to diagnose COVID-19 still works to detect the new COVID-19 variants. Will the new vaccines and COVID-19 treatments work on the variants?The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently in development or have been approved are expected to provide at least some protection against new virus variants. This is because vaccines elicit a broad immune response involving a range of antibodies and cells. Therefore, changes or mutations in the virus should not make vaccines completely ineffective. According to Public Health Ontario, two doses of COVID-19 vaccines are less effective at preventing Omicron breakthrough infections compared to protection against other variants. A third vaccine dose increases short-term protection against symptomatic Omicron infection. Fortunately, when it comes to vaccines, research teams can also pivot, redeveloping existing coronavirus vaccines to target any variants that may prove capable of evading the ones already rolling out globally. The Governments of Ontario and Canada continue to monitor the situation. Resources:
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Face Coverings |
Please note: This advice is intended for the general public and is not intended for health care settings or occupational health purposes. Why should I wear a mask/face covering?Wearing a mask or face covering has two benefits:
As of June 11, 2022 at 12:00am, Ontario ended most of its masking requirements. Read the entire announcement in the Ontario newsroom. What type of mask or face covering is best?With the highly transmissible Omicron variant, the quality of the mask you wear, and the fit of the mask is important. Choose the best fitting and best quality mask that is available to you. The following types of masks are appropriate:
Learn more: COVID-19 Mask Use: Types of masks and respirators The following types of masks or face coverings are less effective:
Learn more: COVID-19 Mask Use: Advice for Community Settings (Canada) How do I make sure my mask fits properly?Fit is important for all mask types, as it is a key factor in its effectiveness. It is important to remember the following when fitting your mask:
Learn more: COVID-19 Mask Use: How to make your mask fit properly (Canada) |
Travel During COVID-19 |
Learn more about federal travel requirements at travel.gc.ca. What are the rules when travelling outside of Canada?For information on the latest requirements for travellers entering or returning to Canada, please visit the Government of Canada website. It is also important to understand the travel requirements of the country you are visiting. What are the rules when travelling between Canada’s provinces and territories?To check the restrictions and allowances for interprovincial travel within Canada, visit the provincial/territorial websites below: |
Cleaning and Disinfecting |
It is important to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched such as door handles, facets, tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Cleaning them with detergent or soap and water removes dirt and some germs. After cleaning, you can disinfect them to kill/remove germs. Household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) mixed with water, is an inexpensive and effective disinfectant that can be prepared at home. Please see Cleaning and Disinfecting in Public Settings for more information. To clean areas such as washrooms, or during outbreaks of respiratory disease or vomiting and diarrhea:
To clean toys, dishes, utensils and food contact surfaces:Prepare a 1: 500 Household Bleach Solution:
Health Canada has created a list of hard surface disinfectants that are likely to be effective against the coronavirus). Check the label of disinfectants to make sure you are following any safety guidelines. How do I make sure my child’s toys are clean?
Using shared laundry facilities during a pandemic:Learn about safely using shared laundry facilities during a pandemic. How do I clean my face covering/non-medical mask? |
I’m recovering from COVID-19. What might I expect? |
If you are recovering from mild to moderate COVID-19, you may be back to normal quickly. If your symptoms were more severe, recovery may take longer. The time it takes to recover from COVID-19 is different for everyone. The time it takes to get better depends on many factors (i.e. your age, other health conditions you may have, and how sick you were when you had COVID-19, etc.). You may experience some lingering changes to your body and mind. These changes can be normal and should continue to improve over time. Below are some of the longer lasting symptoms that you may experience with ideas to manage them: Low energy:
Confusion/Memory Changes:
Feeling Sad, Lonely or Anxious
Decreased Appetite and Loss of Smell
Decreased Physical Strength
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Federal and Provincial Relief Benefits and Support |
Are you unable to work due to COVID-19? You may be eligible for one for the following :
For more information, please see the following resources:
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Resources for Parents, Caregivers and Families |
Return to school
Youth vaccinationAll children and adults born in 2016 or earlier are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth. General information
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Childcare |
Current Restrictions for Businesses and Organizations |
What restrictions are currently in place in our region for businesses and workplaces?A summary of restrictions can be found here. Please refer to O. Reg 364/20 Rules for Areas at the Roadmap Exit Step (Schedules 4/5) for the complete list of public health measures that apply to certain businesses, organizations, places and individuals.
Can I visit someone at a long-term care or retirement home?For information on visiting long-term care homes, please Ontario’s COVID-19: visiting long-term care homes webpage. For information on visiting retirement homes, please see the visiting policy for retirement homes. Where can I learn more about COVID-19 workplace safety measures?For more information on workplaces, visit our Workplace and Employers page. |
Mental Health, Domestic Violence and Addictions Support |
A public health emergency, like COVID-19, can be stressful and cause increased anxiety and fear. It is normal to feel some stress and anxiety in times like these. During a crisis, it is also common for people to show great resiliency. It is important to stay connected to friends and family and reach out if you need support. Below is a list of resources available to you. See this Ministry of Health COVID-19 fact sheet for Ontarians experiencing mental health and addictions issues during the pandemic. At Ontario.ca/coronavirus, people can find information about the different virtual mental health and wellness options that meet their unique needs, including online therapy. Mental Health services:
Help for Substance Use:
Domestic Violence
Get help:Emergency ServicesIn an emergency call 911 Police ServicesAylmer Police: 519-773-3144 OPP: 1-888-310-1122 St. Thomas Police: 519-631-1224 Woodstock Police: 519-537-2323 Domestic Abuse Services Oxford
Phone: 519-539-7488 Text:519-788-9993 Violence Against Women Elgin CountyPhone: 519-633-0155 Victim Services Elgin County
Phone: 519-631-3182 Victim Assistance Services Oxford CountyContact local police who will contact victim assistance services for client. 211 OntarioDial 2-1-1 Reach OutPhone: 519-433-2023
Free app to help you with developing a personalized safety plan. |
Local, provincial and federal updates
- Ontario Ministry of Health
- Public Health Ontario
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control
- World Health Organization
- SWPH Media Releases and News
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