CORONAVIRUS – INFORMATION AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES

How can I protect myself?

We recommend that you use the same precautions as you regularly use to prevent the spread of viral infections:

• Now and always during cold and flu season, stay home if you are sick. Encourage those you know are sick to stay home until they no longer have symptoms.
• Since respiratory viruses, such as the one that causes COVID-19, are spread through contact, change your regular greeting. Instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug, a friendly wave or elbow bump is less likely to expose you to respiratory viruses.
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm, not your hand.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands.

More information

The symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus, which can include fever and cough, are similar to other respiratory infections, including influenza.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory infections like bronchitis or pneumonia.

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact, for example, in a household, workplace or health care centre.

Your risk of severe disease may be higher if you have a weakened immune system. This may be the case for:

• older people
• people with chronic disease (for example, diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or chronic lung disease)

Important!

If you have a fever and/or new onset of cough or difficulty breathing AND in the 14 days before symptom onset, you have:

• been to a COVID-19 impacted area, or
• you have been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, or
• you have been in close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has been to a COVID-19 impacted area,

Please note that due to the exceptionally high call volume, the CSCE phone lines may be busy when you call. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.

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