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What should I do if I suspect I have COVID-19?
If you suspect you or someone close to you has contracted the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) there are steps you can take to determine what to do.
NOTE: If you are experiencing symptoms or have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 take this self assessment tool to determine how to seek further care. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or have other extreme symptoms call 911.
What is a Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Coronaviruses are mainly spread from person to person through contact, like in the workplace, household, or health care centre.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
- dry cough
- fever
- sore throat
- headache
- diarrhea
The incubation period is 14 days and in some cases it may take the full 14 days for the symptoms to show. To monitor the symptoms check out the
How to Self-Monitor factsheet from Public Health Ontario.
How can I stop the spread of the virus?
To stop the spread of the virus you can practice every day actions like:
- washing your hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer in public
- always wearing a mask when in public or with people outside of your immediate "social bubble"
- avoiding contact with people who are sick
- staying home if you suspect you might have COVID or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms
For more information on How to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 visit the Ontario.ca page.
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Last updated:
December 8, 2020
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