kflaph.ca/Coronavirus

2020-04-17

COVID-19What You Need to Know

COVID-19 What You Need to Know Page 2

Assessment centres

COVID-19 Assessment Centres have been set up to assess returning travellers, as well as community residents, who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, fatigue, headaches, sore throat, and runny nose. Locations and hours of operation are as follows:

Kingston Memorial Centre 303 York Street Kingston, Ontario

Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday to Thursday) 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Friday to Sunday)

Lennox & Addington County General Hospital (LACGH) 8 Richmond Park Drive Napanee, Ontario

Hours: 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight) If you have questions about being assessed outside these hours, call 613-354-8247 or call 911, if an emergency.

COVID-19 What You Need to Know Page 3

COVID-19 symptoms and symptom management

Fever Cough Difficulty breathing

Muscle aches

Fatigue Headache Sore throat runny nose

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use the self-assessment tool from the Ontario Ministry of Health https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ to help determine if you need to seek further care.

If your symptoms are severe, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history.

If you have symptoms, self-isolate for 14 days from when symptoms started. If you have persisting fever or worsening symptoms, continue self-isolation and contact your health care provider.

COVID-19 What You Need to Know Page 4

Who has to self-isolate?

You must self-isolate immediately if you:

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health also strongly recommends that all people over age 70 and those who are immunocompromised should self-isolate.

What does self-isolation mean?

Self-isolation means staying at home and avoiding situations where you could come in contact with others. Do not leave the house unless to seek medical attention. If you are returning from travel outside Canada, you must return directly to your home, do not stop for essentials like groceries or prescriptions.

Self-isolation

Have travelled outside of Canada. You are required by the Quarantine Act to self-isolate immediately for 14 days.

Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are waiting for results for COVID-19 lab test.

Have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild.

Vulnerable populations

There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes:

aged 70 and over

with compromised immune systems

with underlying medical conditions

with any condition that can affect respiratory function (breathing)

residents of long-term care homes.

COVID-19 What You Need to Know Page 5

During self-isolation:

Do not leave your house for any reason other than to seek medical care. This means you cannot go to work, school, or other public places.

Do not go outside, other than on your own property (e.g., balcony, backyard).

Do not go grocery shopping or to get other supplies. Instead, have friends, family, or delivery services leave these items on your doorstep.

Do not visit your health care provider or other clinics without calling first. Reschedule non-essential medical appointments.

Do not have visitors or visit others. If you must be in a room with others (such as those you share a household with), keep a distance of at least 2 metres (6 feet) and wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth. If you cannot wear a face covering, then others in the same room as you should wear a face covering. A face covering is a non-medical mask such as a cloth mask or bandana.

How long do I have to self-isolate?

The self-isolation period is 14 days. This means that:

• If you are experiencing symptoms, you must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days, or until symptoms resolve (whichever is longer).

• If you are in self-isolation and then you develop symptoms, your 14 days starts over from the day your symptoms started.

COVID-19 What You Need to Know Page 6

How can I prepare for self-isolation?

If possible, you should make alternate care arrangements for children or vulnerable family members. If you must remain in your home with others, take the following steps:

Minimize the amount of time spent in shared spaces (e.g., kitchens or living rooms). If possible, use a separate bathroom from others in the home.

If you have to be in a room with others, wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth. If you cannot wear a face covering, other people should wear a face covering when in the same room with you.

Maintain a clean environment. Clean and disinfect shared areas every time you use them. Keep shared spaces well ventilated. Ensure everyone in the household washes their hands frequently.

Make plans to have essential items like groceries delivered to you. Rely on friends and family to pick up essential items. Make sure they leave items on your doorstep.

COVID-19 What You Need to Know Page 7

Self-monitoring

General infection prevention tips

If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms, you should self-monitor for 14 days. Self-monitoring includes checking your temperature daily and keeping track of any symptoms you develop.

If you develop symptoms, you need to self-isolate immediately. You should contact KFL&A Public Health and your health care provider.

There are many things you can do to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19, including:

Wash your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Sneeze and cough into your sleeve or a tissue.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Keep surfaces clean and disinfected.

Stay home as much as possible.

COVID-19 What You Need to Know Page 8

Stay home as much as possible.

Keep 2 metres (6 feet) away from others when outside your home, whenever possible.

Cancel gatherings outside of your family unit (household). This includes playdates, parties or sleepovers for children. Instead of having visitors or visiting others, stay in touch through phone, instant messaging or video chat.

Limit essential trips. Get groceries no more than once a week.

Work from home when possible. Consider having virtual meetings.

Avoid handshakes or hugs. Instead, greet others with a wave, bow, or nod.

Do not visit long-term care homes, retirement homes, and other care settings unless it is absolutely essential.

Physical distancing

Physical distancing (also referred to as social distancing) means limiting the number of people you come into close contact with. Physical distancing is important to keep our community safe from the spread of illness.

Physical distancing is different from self-isolating.

How to practice physical distancing

COVID-19 What You Need to Know Page 9

Keep 2 metres (6 feet) away from others when outside your home, whenever possible.

Reduce the number of times you go out. For example, go to the grocery store once a week or less and fill prescriptions for 30 days.

Sanitize or wash your hands when entering and exiting buildings.

Avoid long lineups.

Use tap pay rather than handling money.

When taking public transit, consider travelling during non-peak hours and taking shorter trips to avoid prolonged close contact.

Limit the number of people on elevators.

After going outside, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Stay safe when you leave home

If you must leave your home here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:

COVID-19 What You Need to Know Page 10

How your mental health might be affected by COVID-19

The spread of COVID-19 is a new and challenging event. Your emotions may come in waves and change over time.

You may notice some of the following:

• increased anxiety

• increased stress

• fear or worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones

• changes in sleeping or eating patterns

• difficulty sleeping or concentrating

It is natural to feel stressed, anxious, or fearful in response to COVID-19. We know it’s not easy but positive coping strategies can help you feel better in times of stress. The following is a list of tips you can use to support your mental well-being.

Tips to support you and your family’s mental well-being during COVID-19

1. Stay informed but set time limits for news and social mediaThe constant stream of social media updates and news reports about COVID-19 can make you feel increasingly anxious and stressed. Take breaks from listening to news stories and following social media.

2. Stay connected to others Talking to people you trust about how you’re feeling can help lessen worry or anxiety. Try to stay connected with others using various methods, such as e-mail, social media, video calls, phone calls, and text messages.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Visit 211 Ontario for a list of services that may help you get what you need, such as free or low-cost meals.

COVID-19 What You Need to Know Page 11

3. Maintain healthy routinesWhere possible, maintain aspects of your usual daily routine to promote a sense of safety and control. Our physical health also has a big impact on how we feel. Take care of your body by:

• Being active regularly. Enjoy a walk, jog, or bike ride while maintaining a safe 2 metre (6 feet) distance from others. If you would like to exercise indoors, search for online exercises.

• Getting plenty of sleep. Also, practice healthy sleep routines by avoiding screens before bed and cutting back on caffeine.

• Eating a variety of healthy foods.

• Limiting consumption of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or other drugs.

• Meditating or doing yoga.

4. Look for ways to have funMake time to unwind and relax. Try a hobby that you can do at home or think about how you can adapt a favourite hobby to enjoy at home. You can also try something new as there are lots of free tutorials and courses offered online.

5. Support and help othersTry to be patient and understanding of other people's concerns, worries or behaviours because everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.

Check in on loved ones and community members who may be at higher risk. Ask about their needs and how you can help.

If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19, visit our website: www.kflaph.ca/Coronavirus

If you cannot find the answer to your question on our website, you can call the KFL&A Public Health COVID-19 Call Centre at 613-549-1232, or 1-800-267-7875, or text 343-477-1971.

Call Centre hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends and statutory holidays.