COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - April 5, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - March 29, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - March 22, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - March 15, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - March 8, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - March 1, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - February 22, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - February 15, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - February 8, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - February 1, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - January 25, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - January 18, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - January 11, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - January 4, 2021
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - December 28, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - December 21, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - December 14, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - December 7, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - November 30, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - November 23, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - November 16, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - November 9, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - November 2, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - October 26, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - October 19, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - October 12, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - October 5, 2020

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 reach the nose, mouth or eyes of people 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.

 Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever (temperature of 37.8°C or greater)
• New or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

Other symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• New olfactory or taste disorder(s)
• Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Runny nose, or nasal congestion – in absence of underlying reason for these symptoms such as seasonal allergies, post nasal drip, etc.

Other signs of COVID-19 can include:

• Clinical or radiological evidence of pneumonia

Please see COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms for more information related to symptoms. 

Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known incubation period for this disease.

Please use the COVID-19 Self Assessment if you are experiencing the symptoms listed above.

How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known incubation period for this disease.

How long can the virus survive on surfaces?

COVID-19 is spread mainly from person-to-person through close contact from respiratory droplets of someone with COVID-19. The respiratory droplets can travel up to two metres/six feet when we cough, sneeze or talk. Although unlikely, it appears possible to get the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and touching your mouth, nose or eyes immediately after without washing your hands.

The COVID-19 virus appears to survive on surfaces ranging from several hours to days, but the research continues to evolve. Frequently touched surfaces are more likely to become contaminated with the virus and may include tables, phones, handrails, doorknobs, credit cards, countertops, light switches, faucet handles, steering wheels, cabinet handles, and elevator buttons. Other items that are less likely to cause transmission but can still become contaminated include books, paper, packages, fabric and clothing. The likelihood of transmission through contaminated surfaces may increase if there is a higher viral load on that surface. For example, surfaces in a space where an infected individual has been.

The best way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure from contaminated goods is to practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands before and after touching shared objects.

Is there a treatment or vaccine for COVID-19?

Currently, there are no specific treatments for coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own.

You should manage symptoms by:

• drinking plenty of fluids
• getting rest and sleep as much as possible
• trying a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough
• Acetaminophen for management of fever and muscle aches
• Over the counter medication for cough and sore throat

Note: If your symptoms worsen or become unmanageable at home, seek medical attention.

On December 9^th, 2020, Health Canada approved the first COVID-19 vaccine for use in Canada. Read more about COVID-19 vaccine development and approval on the Government of Canada website. The Government of Ontario has prioritized the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for key populations, including residents, employees, staff and essential caregivers of congregate living settings that provide care for seniors, health care workers, adults in First Nations, Metis, and Inuit populations, and adult recipients of chronic home health care. 

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.

What is the COVID Alert app?

The COVID Alert app is a Bluetooth-based app that will send you phone alerts if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and will inform other people who have the app if you test positive for COVID-19 - all without sharing any personal information. 

Can ibuprofen worsen the disease for people with COVID-19?

Based on the current available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen. Currently WHO is not aware of any reports of negative effects from ibuprofen, beyond the usual know side effects that limit its use in certain populations.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?

No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.

​​​​How can I protect myself and my family from contracting COVID-19?

Everyday preventive actions can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Ontario has issued a stay-at-home order. Ontarians should stay home as much as possible and only leave home for essential purposes, such as getting food or medication, going to medical appointments, supporting vulnerable community members, childcare services, getting exercise or walking pets with the people you live with. 
• Stay home when you are sick, even if you just have mild symptoms. Seek testing for COVID-19 if you have symptoms. 
• Do not gather indoors with people outside your household. Individuals who live alone and single parents may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation. Families should not visit any other household or allow visitors into their home.
• Limit outdoor social gatherings to no more than 5 people and ensure physical distancing
• Avoid travel except for essential reasons. Individuals and families who arrive or return to Ontario should self-isolate or drastically reduce their close contact with others for 14 days after returning home. If returning to Canada from abroad, you must self-isolate for 14 days whether you have symptoms or not. .
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid sharing personal items, such as utensils and water bottles.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw the tissue out immediately. Wash your hands afterward.
• Frequently clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and shared items using regular household cleaners.

• Wear face covering (non-medical mask)
  • Indoors, any time you are within 2 metres of someone outside your household
  • If physical distancing cannot be maintained
  • If wearing one is required (i.e. in a business)
  • Outdoors, whenever face-to-face with someone outside of your household, especially if you are within 2 metres)

  • Face coverings should be made of 3 layers and tightly fitted to cover the nose, mouth and chin. Scarves, bandanas and neck gaiters are not recommended.

• Download the COVID Alert app
• Get a yearly flu vaccination, available from clinics and pharmacies. This is the best way to prevent influenza infection
• Work from home if possible
• How to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)

What does the stay-at-home order mean?

The stay-at-home order means you should only go out for essential purposes, such as:

• Getting food or medication
• Going to medical appointments
• Supporting vulnerable community members
• Childcare services
• Getting exercise or walking pets with the people you live with

What is Physical (Social) Distancing?

Physical (social) distancing is an important measure that each and everyone one of us can do now in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The Public Health Agency of Canada is recommending that all residents of Canada practice physical distancing. Physical distancing means keeping a distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others that are not part of your household at all times. 

View our infographic: What is physical distancing? 

How many people can gather together?

The Southwestern Public Health region will enter the provincial “emergency brake” shutdown on April 3, 2021 with the rest of the Province. In addition, effective Thursday April 8, 2021, a stay-at home order is effect. Individuals should stay home except for essential reasons. 

During the provincial shutdown, indoor social gatherings or organized public events are not allowed, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone and single parents may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation.

Outdoor organized public events and social gatherings must comply with public health advice on physical distancing and have no more than 5 people. 

You may attend a funeral, religious or wedding service or wedding of up to 15% capacity of a room indoors. 

For outdoors, capacity limits adjust to allow for the number of people that can maintain two metres of physical distance (small space fewer people; large space, more people). This does NOT apply to social gatherings associated with these services, such as receptions.

If you do not follow the rules for gatherings set out in the regulations:

• organizers may be fined a minimum of $10,000
• each attendee may receive a $750 ticket
• enforcement personnel may break up the gathering or temporarily close the premises

What are the risks and precautions necessary for singing, choirs and performing arts?

The National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health has released two evidence reviews regarding the risks of these activities as well as recommended precautions to reduce the risk.

• NCCEH Risks and Precautions for Performing Arts
• NCCEH Risk and Precautions for Choirs

Can COVID-19 be transmitted through pets and their fur?

The current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human-to-human transmission. There is no evidence to suggest that pets or other animals play a role in transmitting the disease to humans. Scientists are still trying to understand if and how it affects animals.

Pets can contribute to our overall happiness and well-being, especially in times of stress. If you are feeling well (no symptoms of COVID-19) and are not self-isolating because of COVID-19 illness, you can continue to take walks with your dog or spend time with your pet. This can contribute to keeping both you and your pet healthy.

As a precautionary measure, if you have COVID-19 symptoms or are self-isolating due to contact with a COVID-19 case, you should follow similar recommendations around animals as you would around people in these circumstances.

Learn more about how to take care of your pets during COVID-19 and visit Health Canada’s Animals and COVID-19 website for further guidance.

Who is currently being tested for COVID-19?

The Government of Ontario has criteria for who is eligible for publicly funded COVID-19 testing to ensure it is available for those who need it most. Before you seek testing, be sure to review the information available at www.ontario.ca/covidtest to see if you are eligible and where to get tested.

Currently, individuals that meet the following criteria can book an appointment at an assessment centre to get tested:

• Showing symptoms of COVID-19
• Been exposed to a COVID positive person or have received an exposure notification from the COVID Alert app
• Are part of an outbreak investigation as directed by public health
• Long-term care and other congregate settings
• A visitor or worker in a long-term care home or a worker in a retirement home
• A resident or worker in a homeless shelter or other congregate setting
• Farm workers
• A person who identifies as Indigenous
• Surgery or other reasons (before scheduled surgery as directed by your health care provider, international students passed their 14-day quarantine period, a preliminary positive result through the rapid antigen screening pilot, in a targeted testing group as outline in guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health)

Testing at select pharmacies is now also occurring. You can book an appointment at a pharmacy to get tested if you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19 and are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative as determined by the Ministry of Health or Ministry of Long-term Care or public health. This includes:

• Workers or visitors of long-term care homes, workers in retirement homes
• Residents or workers in homeless shelters or other congregate settings
• Other reasons
  • International students that have passed their 14-day quarantine period
  • Farm workers
  • Indigenous communities

After December 11, you will no longer be able to get a free test for international travel. Private COVID-19 tests are available throughout Ontario.

To find an assessment centre near you, please check COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas or find an assessment centre near you. 

I’ve been tested for COVID-19, now what?

You can view your COVID-19 test results online. Lab results may take 1-4 days to appear. If your test result is positive, you will be given the opportunity to securely enter information about your symptoms and contacts. A staff member from your local public health unit will also contact you to provide further guidance and ask you some questions.

After you have been tested, learn what you should do while waiting for your test results. If you have questions about self-isolating or returning to work, please call and speak to one of our staff at our COVID-19 Response Centre as each situation is unique.

1-800-922-0096 ext. 9

Monday to Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm

Saturday to Sunday: 8:30am-4:30pm

How will I know if a case is confirmed in our region?

Cases in Oxford, Elgin and the City of St. Thomas can be found on COVID-19 data dashboard.

Ontario is now providing a more detailed summary of COVID-19 cases in the province that will be updated each day at 10:30 a.m.

About COVID-19 variants:

All viruses, including the COVID-19 virus, changes 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.  

There are currently three COVID-19 VOC in this country.  As of March 28, 2021, Ontario has detected a total of 20,801 COVID-19 cases with a known VOC or VOC-associated mutation. COVID-19 VOC or VOC-associated mutations have been confirmed in 33/34 public health units, including Southwestern Public Health.  The most prevalent VOC in Ontario is the B.1.1.7 variant.

What is a variant of concern?

A variant is of concern when it affects:

• Disease spread
• Disease severity
• Tests used to detect the virus
• Vaccines and treatments

Do the new variants of concern affect disease spread?

All three VOC seem to make the virus more infectious, allowing it to spread more easily and faster.  The B.1.1.7 variant appears to be 43% to 90% more transmissible than the original virus strain.  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 are effective at slowing the virus variants as well. To make sure the virus variants do not take hold, we need to redouble our efforts that remove opportunities for the virus to spread. This buys us time to get everyone vaccinated, without the variants getting in the way. 

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 the new variants affect disease severity?

There is evidence of higher risk of hospitalizations and death from B.1.1.7 infection.  Extensive research will continue as we seek to understand how each of the emerging variants affect disease severity. 

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?

For the B.1.1.7 variant, significant immune escape and impact on vaccine effectiveness seems unlikely based on what we know so far. 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:

• COVID-19 B.1.1.7 Variant of Concern--What We Know So Far  

• COVID-19 Variant VOC-202012/01-What We Know So Far
• New COVID-19 Variants--CDC
• SARS-CoV-2 Variants--WHO
• Ontario Provides Update on Ontario Cases of COVID-19 Variant--News Release
• Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada--January 20, 2021
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Epidemiology, virology, and prevention

What is the difference between self-monitoring and self-isolating?

Self-monitoring means paying attention to your health every day and watching for signs of illness. While you are self-monitoring, you can leave home for essential purposes (following the current stay-at-home orders) and attend work, school or childcare. If new symptoms develop, it is important to remain home and make arrangements for testing at a COVID testing centre. While everyone should monitor themselves daily for symptoms of COVID-19, sometimes we recommend people self-monitor if they have had a low-risk exposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Learn more about self-monitoring.

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 a person is self-isolating, they should:

• Have their own bedroom and bathroom wherever possible. Stay in this room as much as possible.
• Avoid common areas such as the kitchen and living room.
• Keep 2 metres away from others in the house and wear a mask if in the same room. Ensure good air flow by opening a window if possible when in shared spaces.

Learn more about self-isolating.

Who should self-isolate?

Self-isolation means staying at home when you have a symptom of COVID-19 and it is possible that 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, including Individuals who are at risk of more severe disease outcomes. You must self-isolate if:

• You have COVID-19. Our public health team will let you know when you no longer need to self-isolate (when you are no longer infectious).
• You are a close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19. Our public health team will contact you to let you know how long you must self-isolate and when you should get tested for COVID 19.
• You have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If you get tested and are awaiting your results, you must self-isolate until the results come back. If your results are negative, you can end your self-isolation once your symptoms have been resolved for 24 hours. If your results are positive, continue to self-isolate, and our public health team will contact you.
  • If you choose not to get tested, you must self-isolate for 10 days after your symptoms began. If you still have symptoms at this time, you should continue to self-isolate until your symptoms have been resolved for 24 hours.  You may wish to ask for support from your health care provider.
• Someone in your household has symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Self-isolate (do not attend work, school, child care, etc.) until test results are known. If results are negative and you do not have any symptoms, you can return to your normal activities. If results are positive, continue to self-isolate, and our public health team will connect with you to provide direction.
  • If testing is not completed, all household members should remain in self-isolation for 14 days.
• You have returned from travel from outside Canada. You must (by law) self-isolate for 14 days after your return. If you have returned from travel outside the province, it is recommended that you self-isolate for 14 days after your return.
• You have received an alert on the COVID Alert App. Book a COVID-19 test , and self-isolate until the results come back negative. 

How long do I need to self-isolate for?

The advice on self-isolating is different for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and for people that have been exposed to COVID-19.

When a person has tested positive for COVID-19, current best evidence shows that with mild to moderate symptoms, they can spread the virus for up to 10 days after their symptoms started. This has changed since the start of the pandemic as we have learned more about the virus and how it spreads (it used to be 14 days for everyone). A negative test result is not required to end the self-isolation because people who have had COVID-19 may continue to test positive even though they are not contagious anymore. Our public health team follows up with all positive cases and provides guidance on when self-isolation can end based on each person’s situation.

When a person has been exposed to COVID-19, it’s possible for them to become symptomatic up to 14 days after the exposure. Anyone who has been exposed must self-isolate at home for 14 days. This helps ensure they do not expose anyone else to the virus while they are contagious and not yet aware they are infected with COVID-19. Our public health team will recommend when it is best for you to get tested for COVID-19 if you are a high-risk contact.

Each person’s situation is unique. If you have questions about how long you should self-isolate, please call our COVID-19 Response Centre at 1-800-922-0096 ext. 9. 

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:

• Reach out to friends, family and neighbours to pick up groceries that you need if possible
• For food banks, meal delivery programs like ‘Meals on Wheels’, and grocery stores that deliver food to people who are homebound, reach out to Ontario 211—Community and Social Services
• Please see the updated list of food access in Elgin, City of St. Thomas and Oxford
• Help Line:
  • Call 2-1-1* or toll-free: 1-877-330-3213 to talk to someone directly
  • Visit  www.211ontario.ca  to search topics, email* or live chat for help
  • *if your request is urgent, please dial 2-1-1 as email is not monitored 24/7
• There are many for profit services like ‘Skip the Dishes’ or ‘Good Food’ that may deliver to your area
  • Search for these services on-line or reach out to friends, family and neighbours for suggestions.
• To protect yourself and others during any food deliveries, refer to how to isolate at home when you have COVID-19

How to Get Medications:

• Many pharmacies will deliver right to your door.  Check with your pharmacy to see if this is a service that they offer
• If your pharmacy does not offer home delivery, reach out to friends, family and neighbours to pick up your medications and other pharmacy needs
• If you continue to have trouble accessing the medications that you need, reach out to Ontario 211—Community and Social Services Help Line for other possible delivery options.
• Visit  www.211ontario.ca  to search topics, email* or live chat for help
• Call 2-1-1* or toll-free: 1-877-330-3213 to talk to someone directly

*if your request is urgent, please dial 2-1-1 as email is not monitored 24/7

• To protect yourself and others during these deliveries, refer to how to isolate at home when you have COVID-19

How to Get Mental Health Services:

• If you require mental health and/or addictions support, please call REACH OUT at 519-433-2023/1-866-933-2023

Tele visits with Doctors:

• Tia Health – online appointments (can get prescriptions, advice, requisitions). Free in Ontario with a health card
• cover.health – virtual walk-in clinic, covered by OHIP
• Dial-a-Doc - OHIP Covered Phone Appointments Online with Ontario’s Doctors
• covid19checkup.ca – complete assessment and you may be asked to book a televisit with a physician
• Maple – online covid-19 screening to connect with a doctor. Available 7 days a week 8am – 8pm ET (should be covered by OHIP)
• Children’s Hospital Virtual Emergency Clinic 

Other

• If you have an urgent repair e.g., furnace not working or a plumbing leak, be up front when you call to get service so the worker can come prepared to protect yourself and your repair worker refer to how to isolate at home when you have COVID-19
• Guidance for How to Care for Pets and Other Animals (Public Health Ontario)

Please visit our face coverings web page for information, resources and requirements. 

For workplaces and businesses, please refer our Workplaces and Employers page.

STAY HOME. Travel outside your region or province should be limited to only essential purposes. 

What are the rules when travelling outside of Canada?

For information on the latest requirements for travellers returning to Canada, please visit the Government of Canada website. New rules came into effect on February 21 2021 at 11:59am for COVID-19 testing, international flights and mandatory hotel stop overs for air travellers. Information on quarantine/isolation requirements can be found here.

What are the rules when travelling between Canada’s provinces and territories?

During the provincial shutdown, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly advises that individuals and families only travel out of the province if it is essential, and that they self-isolate for 14 days when arriving in or returning to Ontario. To check the restrictions and allowances for interprovincial travel within Canada, visit the provincial/territorial websites below:

• British Columbia

• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

The Government of Canada also has requirements for travellers within Canada so be sure to read up on what is expected if you plan to fly within the country. All air travellers, with some exceptions, are required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering while travelling. Via Rail Canada has also issued a mandatory face mask policy for all passengers.

It is still suggested to avoid ALL non-essential travel – stay home as much as you can and practice physical distancing. You may wish to check the High Risk Areas in Canada for COVID-19 prior to making travel plans.

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:

• Prepare a 1: 50 Household Bleach Solution:
  • 20 ml (4 teaspoons) household bleach + 1000 ml (4 cups) water
  • 100ml (7 tablespoons) household bleach + 5000 ml (20 cups) water

To clean toys, dishes, utensils and food contact surfaces:

Prepare a 1: 500 Household Bleach Solution:

• 1ml ( ¼ teaspoons) household bleach to 500ml (2 cups) water
• 20 ml (4 teaspoons) household bleach to 10 L (40 cups or approx. 2 gallons)

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?

• Don’t share toys beyond your household
• Clean and disinfect hard surface toys using a mild bleach solution (see above for guidance)
• Stuffed animals, fuzzies or soft surface toys made of fabrics are difficult to clean and disinfect. Wash them frequently using soap (or detergent) and water to remove some germs and dirt from soft surfaces.

Using shared laundry facilities during a pandemic:

Learn about safely using shared laundry facilities during a pandemic.

Can I make my own hand sanitizer at home if I can’t find it in the store?

Making hand sanitizer at home is not recommended. When making hand sanitizer, it is important to get the concentration of the required isopropyl alcohol correct to ensure the product is effective. It’s better to use soap and water than to make your own sanitizer.

The World Health Organization has official instructions to make a disinfecting hand sanitizer to use in medical settings (Guide to Local Production), but it is not meant for households to follow (e.g., it requires an alcoholometer to measure the concentration of alcohol in the final product). 

How do I clean my face covering/non-medical mask?

Learn how to clean and safely wear a face covering.

Please refer to Pregnancy and Breastfeeding during COVID-19.

• Having a Baby During COVID-19 – Labour Support
• Having a Baby During COVID-19 – Planning for Birth
• Having a Baby During COVID-19 – Infant Feeding
• Having a Baby During COVID-19 – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Women with COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so (WHO)

• Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy

Shopping should be limited to making essential purchases only (e.g., food, medications). Do not go shopping if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. Stay home. Get tested.  

What steps can you take to minimize risk at the grocery store?

• If you can, use hand sanitizer when entering stores and wash hands/use sanitizer after leaving.
• If you have them, use disinfecting wipes and use on cart and basket handles.
• Maintain physical distancing as much as possible while shopping and give others at least 2 m or 6 feet of space. 
• Wear a non medical face covering 
• Make a list ahead of time so you know what you are looking for. This may help to reduce the time you spend in the grocery store.
• Touch only what you plan to buy.
• Use self-scanning technologies at check outs.
• Avoid touching surfaces or items unnecessarily (e.g., use tap to pay for your groceries, touch and pick-up only what you intend to buy) and avoid touching your mouth, nose or face at all times.  
• If you use reusable bags, wash them in hot water after each and every use.
• Follow the rules set out by the grocery store you’re visiting (i.e. following directional arrows).

What are grocery stores doing to minimize your risk?

Additional precautions should be taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 within retail and grocery stores. Some actions that have been adapted and/or are recommended can include but are not limited to:

• Increasing cleaning and sanitizing or high touch surfaces.
• Limiting and/or removing bulk counters, self-serve hot entree bars, olive bars, seafood bars, salad bars.
• Providing priority shopping to seniors for the first hour of opening.
• Supplying hand sanitizer and/or disinfecting wipes for carts and baskets.
• Enforcing physical distancing rules by marking spaces at check-out lines with tape and hanging signs reminding customer not to crowd each other in shopping aisles.
• Installing physical barriers at check-outs.
• Encouraging the use of self-scanning technologies at check outs.
• Encouraging customers to pack their own purchases, whenever possible, and discouraging the use of multi-use bags.
• Limiting the number of customers allowed in at one time to ensure physical distancing can be maintained
• Offering home delivery, where possible.

Is delivery a safer choice than going to the store?

Pre-ordering and having groceries delivered to your home is a great choice.  If fewer people are in the store fewer people are touching surfaces.  Fewer people means physical distancing is easier too. Many stores are now offering curb side pick up which may also be a good alternative option for those not wishing to enter the store.

Ordering from home and having it delivered is the best choice for vulnerable people like seniors or people with chronic disease.

How should I handle groceries when I get them home?  Can I Take them Inside the House Right Away?

• According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), “there is currently no evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of COVID-19.”
• Usual food safety tips should be followed, including storing your food correctly as soon as you get home. Do not store groceries outside of the home, in cars or garages.
• When using any cleaning product on food surfaces, ensure the cleaner is intended for use directly on food and follow label directions to avoid intoxication as a result of chemical contamination. The use of soap on food is not recommended as ingestion of soap can result in intoxication and gastrointestinal symptoms.
• It is okay to wipe down non-porous cans and boxes with soap and water or disinfectant wipe as an extra precaution. Handling of food packaging should be followed with handwashing. 
• There is no need to wash your coat, change your clothing or disinfect your footwear after grocery shopping.  Proper hand washing and avoiding touching your face is important to prevent the spread of COVID 19.

How should I handle groceries for someone who is in the vulnerable population?

• If shopping for someone else, best practice is to drop off groceries while practicing physical distancing (e.g., drop off the groceries at the door, ring the bell, and step away).
• If entering the home to help with the unpacking, wash hands immediately upon arrival and after putting the groceries away. Wear a cloth mask as physical distancing may be difficult.

Should produce be washed before eating?  Should soap or a disinfectant be used?

Health Canada’s regulations for washing produce and other foods have so far remained the same. Health Canada recommends giving fruits and vegetables a good rub under running water—cool or lukewarm is preferred. It is not recommended to wash produce with dish soap or any detergent. It is not recommended to treat produce with chemical disinfectants at home. It isn’t necessary to use solutions specifically designed for cleaning fruits and vegetables, known as produce cleaners.

Should I only buy food that can be heated?

• No. Handle and prepare all food safely, just as you always have. For example, when you wash produce properly (see above), its perfectly okay to consume it without heating it. For more food safety reminders, go to Food Safety and You.

Are you unable to work due to COVID-19? You may be eligible for one for the following :

• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
• Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

Are you a business in need of support?

• Learn about the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant (coming January 2021) and other supports available on the Government of Ontario’s Business: Get Help with COVID-19 Costs page.
• Learn about federal supports available including the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
  

For more information, please see the following resources:

• Transitioning from CERB to EI

• Find Financial Help During COVID-19 (Government of Canada)
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• COVID-19: Support for people (Government of Ontario)
• Financial Relief Navigator
• Financial support benefits poster

Return to school

• For information on school screening, decision tools to help you decide next steps if your child has symptoms, and details on how we manage cases and contacts in schools, please visit our COVID-19 Resources for Schools and Child Care Centres web page

General information

• What you need to know to help you and your family stay healthy

• COVID-19: What to do in Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas

• COVID-19 and Children

• Practicing physical distancing infographic

• COVID-19 Resources for Parents and Children (includes colouring sheets, activites, etc)

• Caregiver Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• How to be safe and still have fun during COVID-19

• Home Alone and Child Minding Resource for Parents/Guardians

• How to Care for a Child with COVID-19 at Home: Advice for Caregivers

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Coping with Stress
• Supporting the young people in your life during COVID-19

• “My name is Coronavirus”  a book to support and reassure children
• Talking to Children About the Pandemic
• The Hub for Parents and Caregivers (virtual space offered the first and third Tuesday of each month promoting wellness for parents and caregivers in Oxford and Elgin counties).

Childcare

• Ontario - Find Child Care

What restrictions are currently in place in our region for businesses and workplaces?

The Southwestern Public Health region will enter the provincial “emergency brake” shutdown on April 3, 2021 with the rest of the Province. 

Restrictions currently in place for all businesses and organizations include:

• Workplaces must screen all workers and essential visitors entering the work environment. See the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces for more information.
• Personal Protective Equipment that protects the eyes, nose and mouth is required if a worker is required to come within 2 metres of someone who is not wearing a face covering and is not separated by plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier.
• All businesses or facilities must limit capacity so that every member of the public can maintain 2 metres of physical distance from every other person.
• Businesses or places that are open shall ensure that equipment, washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms and showers that are accessible to the public are cleaned and disinfected as frequently as is necessary to maintain a sanitary condition.
• Face coverings are required to be worn by members of the public and workers in indoor public places and workplaces, with limited exceptions.
• All workplaces must develop a COVID-19 workplace safety plan and have it available should an inspector or compliance officer request to see it during an inspection.

Additional requirements are in place for specific sectors including bars and restaurants, personal service settings, sports and recreational fitness facilities, meeting and event spaces, retail stores. Read more about these restrictions here.

For questions about what businesses can open, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

For more information on opening your workplace during COVID-19, please visit our Workplaces and Employers page.

Can I visit someone at a long-term care or retirement home?

On November 23rd, the province updated the visiting policy for long term care homes to put further restrictions in place to protect the safety of residents in areas where there is higher community spread of COVID-19. General visitors are not allowed in long-term care homes in Oxford County, Elgin County or the City of St. Thomas.  Only essential visitors, including up to one caregiver per resident, may visit homes in our region. To further protect the health and safety of those in Long-Term Care Homes, staff, essential caregivers and support workers who provide direct care to residents in those regions will be tested more frequently for COVID-19, moving from bi-weekly tests to weekly as of November 23, 2020. In addition, support workers who provide direct care, and caregivers in those regions will be asked to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result in the past week and verbally attest that they have not subsequently tested positive.

Please review the long term care home visiting policy for more information, or reach out to the home you wish to visit for additional guidance. You may also find this frequently asked question document on visiting long term care homes helpful. 

For information on visiting retirement homes, please see the visiting policy for retirement homes.

What is the guidance regarding funerals?

The maximum number of people allowed to attend a funeral service is 15% capacity of the room indoors. For outdoors, capacity limits adjust to allow for the number of people that can maintain two metres of physical distance (small space fewer people; large space, more people). This does NOT apply to social gatherings associated with these services, such as receptions.

For both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, those attending must follow proper health and safety advice, including practicing physical distancing from people who are not from the same household and following face covering requirements. 

Please see Staying Safe at Funerals for additional guidance.

How can my workplace safely re-open?

For more information on workplaces, visit our Workplace and Employers page.

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:

• For Caregiver and Youth resources visit Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies or Caregiver Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• List of local mental health services
• Government of Ontario: Find mental help and addictions support in your community

Help for Substance Use:

• Addiction Services of Thames Valley
• Government of Canada: Get help with substance use
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• Harm reduction
• Tobacco and vaping

Domestic Violence

• Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help reduce the spread of COVID-19, however for people who experience violence in the home, being home may not be the safest option.

• Other factors such as stress and financial burden can impact families, creating situations that may compromise safety while at home.

• If you are concerned for your safety, there are supports in the community that can help.

Get help:

Emergency Services

In an emergency call 911

Police Services

Aylmer 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 County

Phone: 519-633-0155

Victim Services Elgin County

Phone: 519-631-3182

Victim Assistance Services Oxford County

Contact local police who will contact victim assistance services for client.

211 Ontario

Dial 2-1-1

Reach Out

Phone: 519-433-2023

myPlan Canada App

Free app to help you with developing a personalized safety plan.

To our partners and residents in Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas: One of the most important steps we can all take to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus is to put distance between ourselves and others.

With that in mind, we’re doing our part by closing most of our clinics and classes. Until further notice, we will not hold prenatal, breastfeeding, food handling or dental services and TB testing. Sexual Health Clinics will continue with very careful safety measures in place, with the exception of our Tillsonburg clinic which will be canceled until further notice. Our Needle Exchange Program will also remain in service with additional infection control measures in place. If your doctor has asked you to obtain a TB test, please call your doctor’s office and advise them that this service is not available currently from public health.

Our staff are on site and our phone lines are open. If you have a general question about a program or service you use, please call us. If your questions are specific to COVID-19, call us at 1-800-922-0096 #9,

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community as healthy as possible.

How can communities help?

Physical (social) distancing is the most important thing you can do to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Isolating at home can leave us feeling helpless, making us feel disconnected from our communities when we need each other the most.  There are ways we can still work together as a community while practicing physical (social) distancing though. 

Here are a few ideas on how help your community:

1. Stay up to date with credible information Spreading myths and false information can make things worse.  Be kind to your community by sharing information from credible sources.  Let’s bust the myths out there.
2. Think of your community while shopping for necessities. If you can, go to stores when they are less busy. Practice keeping 2m/6.5 feet (about the width of a car) away from others at all times, and only shop for what your family needs. Taking more than what you need means it’s not there for your friends and neighbours. Our supply chain is strong.
3. Make donations where they’re needed.  Contact your local services and agencies to see where you might donate money or supplies, they need most. The Red Cross is also urging blood donors to donate now since the need for blood never goes away. Check out this resource:
   • Making safe food donations 
   • Tips on giving and receiving donations during COVID-19
   • Donating Healthy and Safe Food

1. Be a good neighbour. Reach out to friends, family and neighbours, mostly those who do not have access to internet, transportation, language barriers, seniors living alone, and those who are at higher health risk from existing conditions. Make sure they have the supplies they need to get through, share Public Health advice and news (i.e.; what to look for re: symptoms and what to do), help them come up with a plan to have care in case of illness.  Something as small as picking up some milk for a neighbour in need could make all the difference.  Leave that milk on the doorstep and call your neighbour to let them know it’s ready to pick-up. Ensure to always practice physical (social) distancing.
2. Think of ways to support small local businesses.  Buy from local small businesses that are still offering services as much as you can (e.g., small restaurants that are offering take-out or delivery).

Looking for Support?

Are you feeling overwhelmed, lonely or anxious about COVID-19? Are you experiencing financial pressure because of self-isolation measures? Do you have questions about applying for Employment Insurance? Do you need help getting groceries or running errands while you are at home sick or self-isolating? You are not alone. 211 Ontario is ready and waiting to connect you to services that can help.  Reach out in whatever way you feel comfortable:

Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in 150 languages for help. Just dial 2-1-1.

Live Chat, Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm. Get started.

Try the Search Help Tool at 211ontario.ca.