With COVID-19 declared a pandemic, here is some important and up to date public health information for Canadians.
Risk to Canadians
At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for the general population. There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for those:
- aged 65 and over
- with compromised immune systems
- with underlying medical conditions
PHAC, along with provincial, territorial and community partners, continues to reassess the public health risk based on the best available evidence as the situation evolves.
How to protect yourself
The most effective ways to protect yourself from COVID-19 are the same as those you’d use to keep yourself safe from the flu or common cold:
- wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
- use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- when coughing or sneezing: cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
- When using tissue, dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Use cleaning spray to disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects in your home or other environment
- Avoid travel to high risk areas
It is important for all travellers to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or difficulty breathing) for 14 days after returning to Canada.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms initially. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19, and then have included fever, cough, difficulty breathing and pneumonia.
What to you if you think you may be infected
If you think you may be infected with the new coronavirus, please isolate yourself and call your doctor or public health authority.
If you have shortness of breath or severe symptoms, proceed to an emergency department. With mild symptoms, please do not go to the hospital emergency department directly without contacting public health. Be sure to call your family doctor, and let them know you’re worried you may be infected, before you show up at their office.
Where to get reliable information
The pandemic is evolving quickly. Please consult PHAC for up to date information.
Emergency numbers to call
Here are the local numbers for public health authorities across Canada.
- British Columbia: 811
- Alberta: 811
- Saskatchewan: 811
- Manitoba: 1–888–315–9257
- Ontario: 1–866–797–0000
- Quebec: 811
- New Brunswick: 811
- Nova Scotia: 811
- Prince Edward Island: 811
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 811 or 1–888–709–2929
- Nunavut: 867–975–5771
- Northwest Territories: 911
- Yukon: 811
