Personal and Community Responsibilities in Challenging Times

What role do I play in keeping my family and community safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Health Canada believes that individuals can play a vital role to prepare for and respond to the virus. Social distancing and staying at home unless you need groceries, medical treatment, or going out for exercise is the best way to be responsible during the Pandemic. If you have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 you should self isolate for a period of no shorter than 14 days. Symptoms of the virus typically include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. There is currently no cure for the virus, and most people will recover within 14 days after experiencing Flu like symptoms – unless the individual had pre-existing health conditions or is elderly. Stopping the transmission of the virus by staying at home, social distancing and protecting the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions requires individual action.

What is Social Distancing?

Social distancing is the term used to describe keeping 2 metres between two individuals to help prevent the transmission of the virus. This practice will limit the spread of the virus through human to human contact such as breathing in water droplets from an infected person when they exhale, or having the virus spread if you have a droplet land on you hand and you wipe your face or eyes. Social distancing also involves limiting the number of people that may be in a confined space, like a store or a business. Social distancing is changing the way we interact with other people in Canada.