Protecting Yourself from COVID-19
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve globally, it remains important for the public to know how to protect themselves and know the signs. Additionally, it is important for the public to have confidence that Ontario is taking further action to ensure the province’s health care system is positioned to continue to safeguard the health and well-being of Ontarians, even as the situation develops globally.
In response to the ongoing situation, our government is taking an important step to protect Ontarians by declaring a provincial emergency, establishing Ontario’s ability to quickly respond to COVID-19 by limiting exposure of individuals. Effective immediately, the following new measures take effect:
- The prohibition of organized events of 50+ people
- Mandatory closure of the following locations across Ontario:
- Facilities providing recreational programs
- Libraries
- Private Schools
- Licensed child care centres
- Bars and restaurants (takeout and delivery permitted)
- Theatres, cinemas and concert venues
This is in addition to the existing closure of all publicly-funded schools. We will continue actively working with our partners at all levels in the health care system to implement additional enhanced measures as necessary to ensure that we are prepared to protect the health of all Ontarians.
Coronaviruses such as COVID-19 are spread mainly from person to person through close contact: for example, in a household, workplace or health care centre. There are a number of everyday actions that you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you are sick
- Keep surfaces clean and disinfected to help prevent the spread of germs
- If you are returning from out-of-country travel, self-isolate (stay at home with no close contact with anyone, including other people in your home) for 14 days. If you develop symptoms, contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or contact your local public health unit.
As the situation develops, further guidance will be made available to all Ontarians. In order to keep the public informed about all available relevant information, we have developed a website to provide a hub with the most up-to-date, accurate information available. Visit the website at Ontario.ca/coronavirus to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19, as well as the most accurate and up-to-date information available. The website is updated multiple times daily, including the number of cases at 10:30a.m. and 5:30p.m., every day of the week.
Physical social distancing remains the strong recommendation of all public health experts, but during this time, it is especially important to check in with friends and family by phone or over the internet. Some people, including those most vulnerable, may be feeling increasingly anxious during this time, which is why maintaining non-physical connection with loved ones is vital.
Finally, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, and breathing difficulties, call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or contact your local public health unit. Be sure to mention your symptoms and travel history, including any countries you may have recently visited. If you need emergency medical attention you should call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms. My constituency office staff and I are available to answer any questions you may have by phone at 1-800-265-1603, however we are not currently accepting in-person visits.
-30-