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Writer's pictureDean Nelson, (he/him) CTC, LLD

COVID-19 What you need to know

Updated: May 25, 2020

Never in our global community have we all been so extraordinarily been effected by an event. The Coronavirsus disease (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that is affecting all parts of our society. The following are some excellent resources to help keep you and your family/friends safe. Click here for official Government of Canada Travel Advice on COVID-19

Reduce the spread of COVID-19 – Wash your hands

In our current global health emergency it is important to wash your hands (and mobile devise) frequently.

Step 1: Wet hands with warm water.

Step 2: Apply soap.

Step 3: Wash hands for at least 20 seconds

(including your palms, back of each hand, between fingers, thumbs and under nails).

Step 4: Rinse well.

Step 5: Dry hands well with paper towel.

Step 6: Turn off tap using paper towel.


Self-isolate at Home

People with COVID-19 do not always recognize their early symptoms. Even though you do not have symptoms now, you need to self-isolate if in the last 14 days, you:

  • travelled outside of Canada OR

  • had close contact with someone who has or is suspected to have COVID-19

Self-isolate means that, for 14 days you need to:

  • stay at home and monitor yourself for symptoms, even if mild

  • avoid contact with other people to help prevent transmission of the virus at the earliest stage of illness

  • do your part to prevent the spread of disease in your home and in your community, in case you develop symptoms

Limit contact with others

  • Stay at home or the place you are staying in Canada.

  • Do not go to school, work, other public areas or use public transportation (e.g., buses, taxis).

  • Do not have visitors. 

  • Avoid contact with older adults, or those with medical conditions, who are at a higher risk of developing serious illness.

  • Avoid contact with others, especially those who have not travelled or been exposed to the virus.

  • If contact cannot be avoided, take the following precautions:

    • keep at least 2 metres between yourself and the other person

    • keep interactions brief

    • stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom, if possible

Things you can do while self-isolating

While keeping a physical distance of 2 metres from others, you can:

  • greet with a wave instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug

  • use food delivery services or online shopping

  • ask family, a neighbour or friend to help with essential errands

  • exercise at home

  • go outside for some fresh air, a run, a bike ride, or to walk the dog

  • host online dinners and games with family and friends

  • use technology, such as video calls, to keep in touch with family and friends

  • work from home

  • get creative by drawing chalk art or running back yard obstacle courses and games

Keep your hands clean

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and dry with disposable paper towels or dry reusable towel, replacing it when it becomes wet.

  • You can also remove dirt with a wet wipe and then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  • Cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm or into a tissue.

Keep surfaces clean and avoid sharing personal items

  • At least once daily, clean and disinfect surfaces that you touch often, like toilets, bedside tables, doorknobs, phones and television remotes.

  • Use store-bought disinfectants to clean, following the directions on the label.

  • Do not share personal items with others, such as toothbrushes, towels, bed linen, utensils or electronic devices.

Monitor yourself for symptoms

  • Monitor yourself for symptoms, particularly fever and respiratory symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing.

  • Take and record your temperature daily (or as directed by your public health authority) and avoid using fever-reducing medications (e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen) as much as possible. These medications could mask an early symptom of COVID-19.

  • If you develop symptoms, even if mild:

    • stay home

    • immediately isolate yourself from others in your house

    • contact your public health authority as soon as possible and follow their instructions


Supplies to have at home when self-isolating

  • Disposable paper towels

  • Thermometer

  • Running water

  • Hand soap

  • Alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol

  • Dish soap

  • Regular laundry soap

  • Regular household cleaning products

  • Alcohol prep wipes

  • Arrange to have your groceries delivered to you

We can all do our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

For more information, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus or call 1-833-784-4397


Other COVID-19 Resources:


WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 info graphic
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19

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