What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a viral illness caused by a new form of coronavirus. There are many types of coronaviruses. Some cause the common cold and have very mild symptoms. Others can be very severe, such as SARS in 2003. One of the concerns about the new coronavirus is that it is brand new, so nobody has protective antibodies yet and therefore the chance of spread is higher. COVID-19 can vary between mild symptoms and severe symptoms. This seems to depend on your age and underlying health. From what we know so far, it appears that the virus is spread between close contacts through aerosols (tiny droplets in the air) and by coughing, sneezing, or touching common areas without proper handwashing.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Most people who have COVID-19 have a fever, new or worsening cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may develop as well such as runny nose, sore throat, headaches, and body aches. Some people who get COVID-19 may only show minor symptoms.
Who is at risk of getting COVID-19?
People who have traveled outside of the country are at higher risk, especially to countries where the prevalence of COVID-19 are high such as the US. People are also at risk if they have been in close contact with others that have tested positive, or those who have symptoms of COVID-19 and are awaiting results of their swab. As the virus becomes more widespread, it will be more likely to get COVID-19 without traveling and without knowingly coming in contact with someone who is sick. This is called “community spread”. People who are at risk of contracting COVID-19 through community spread are those who congregate in larger crowds (concerts, weddings, sports events), people who take crowded public transit and attend social gatherings, and people who do not wash their hands or wear a mask outside of their home.
What do I do if I have recently traveled?
If you recently traveled outside of the country (including the USA), you must self-quarantine at home for 14 days whether you have symptoms or not. If you develop symptoms, please call Public Health and follow strict self-isolation policies. The phone number is 705-721-7520, or 1-888-225-7851 outside of business hours.
I have a cough or fever. What should I do?
ANYONE with a fever, or new or worsening cough, or difficulty breathing should stay at home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours, regardless of travel history. If you want to find out if your illness is caused by the novel coronavirus, consider going to the local COVID-19 Assessment Centre (see below).
What do I do if I think I have COVID-19?
If you think you have COVID-19, DO NOT show up unannounced to your family physician’s office. If you think you have COVID-19 and your symptoms are mild, you must stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours. If you have symptoms of a viral illness but do not know what you should do, call your family doctor’s office for further direction, or take an online self-assessment tool at Ontario.ca/coronavirus.
Our community has set up a COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Midland where patients may be tested for the coronavirus. You MUST have an appointment to be seen. You can click HERE to book an appointment. If you are unsure if you should be tested, please consider taking this online self-assessment tool. Most people will get a nasal swab at the assessment centre and be given instructions on how to find their results online. The website to check your results can be found here.
If you have been tested for COVID-19 you will be asked to self-quarantine until the results come back, which may take 2-4 days. If the results are positive and your symptoms are mild, you will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days. Some people may be asked to get re-tested to ensure they are no longer contagious. If your symptoms are more severe you may need to be hospitalized. Please let any health care workers that interact with you (ER triage, EMS, nurses, etc) know about your symptoms and the possibility of having COVID-19.
Do I need a “clearance” note for my child at school if they were off sick?
We understand that some teachers or schools are asking for a doctor’s note to clear students who may have been off sick before they can return to school. These requests are NOT consistent with the Ministry of Health guidance, which notes “Medical notes or proof of negative tests should not be required for staff or students to return to school.” Our office will not be providing these types of doctor’s notes. Please check out the COVID-19 Resources page to find information about self-attestation forms that you can complete for work or school.
How can I keep myself and my community safe?
Practice physical distancing when leaving your home
Stay 2m apart from others and avoid prolonged contact. When this is difficult to do, wearing a mask can reduce your risk.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Hand sanitizer will also work.
Avoid touching your face.
Stay home as much as you can.
Work from home if possible
Avoid all travel unless absolutely necessary
Do not go to restaurants and bars. Consider take-out or delivery.
Avoid social gatherings with anyone outside of your bubble, including play dates and coffee dates
If you are not self-isolating and you leave home to get essentials such as groceries, be efficient and go at a time when others are less likely to be there. Also, follow steps 1 - 3.
