What is Social Distancing?
In short, this doesn’t mean you must stay in your home!
In order to decrease transmission of COVID-19 it is now recommended that everyone practices social distancing. Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. This will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Social distancing includes, but is not limited to:
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Talking to your supervisor, manager, or employer about the possibility of working from home where possible. Maintain a distance of 1-2 metres (3-6 feet) from those around you.
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Avoiding sending children to daycare.
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Avoiding visits to Long-Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes, Supportive Housing, Hospices and other congregate care settings unless the visit is absolutely essential.
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Avoiding non-essential trips in the community.
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If you have to go into the community for an essential trip via taxi or rideshare, be sure to keep the windows down.
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If possible, limit or consider cancelling group gatherings.
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If you have meetings planned, consider doing them virtually instead of in person.
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Whenever possible, spend time outside and in settings where people can maintain a 1-2 metre (3-6 feet) distance from each other.
You can still go outside to take a walk, go to the park, or walk your dog. If you need groceries, go to the store. It is recommended that while outside you make sure to avoid crowds and maintain a distance of 1-2 metres (3-6 feet) from others.
Remember: While you may not feel sick, and while we know these measures are an inconvenience, please be mindful of the members of our community who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others. We are all in this together.
What is Self-isolation?
In short, this means you must stay in your home!
Self-isolation is when you have been instructed to separate yourself from others, with the purpose of preventing the spread of the virus, including those within your home. If you are ill, you should be separated from others in your household to the greatest extent possible.
Even if you do not have symptoms, it is recommended to self-isolate for 14 days if:
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You have travelled anywhere outside of Canada (including the United States of America).
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You live with, provided care for, or spent extensive time with someone who has:
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Tested positive for COVID-19, OR is suspected to have COVID-19, OR who has respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) that started within 14 days of travel outside of Canada.
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Self-Monitoring
This is when you monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19 like fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
If you think you have 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment
If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history.
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