Looking for detailed guidance on testing? See the COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance here.

Publically funded PCR testing is only available for specific groups, including:

Symptomatic people who fall into one of the following groups:

• People aged 70 years and older
• People aged 60 years and older who have less than three doses of COVID-19 vaccine
• People who are immunocompromised
• Adults aged 18 years and older who have had less than three doses of COVID19 vaccine and have risk conditions: 
  • obesity (BMI ≥ 30kg/m2)
  • diabetes
  • heart disease, hypertension, congestive heart failure
  • chronic respiratory disease, including cystic fibrosis
  • cerebral palsy
  • intellectual disability
  • sickle cell disease
  • moderate or severe kidney disease (eGFR <60mL/min)
  • moderate or severe liver disease (e.g., Child Pugh Class B or C cirrhosis)

• Other people at higher risk of severe disease who may be eligible for COVID-19 treatment if they tested positive.
• Pregnant people
• Patient-facing healthcare workers
• Staff, volunteers, residents/inpatients, essential care providers, and visitors in highest risk settings
  • Highest risk settings include: hospitals (including complex continuing care facilities and paramedic services), and congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals, including, but not limited to long-term care homes, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, correctional institutions, and hospital schools.

• Household members of staff in highest risk settings and patient-facing health care workers
• Home and community care workers
• Staff and students in Provincial and Demonstration Schools
• International Agriculture Workers in congregate living settings
• Patients seeking emergency medical care, at the discretion of the treating clinician
• Other outpatients for whom a diagnostic test is required for clinical management, at the discretion of the treating clinician
• People who are under housed or experiencing homelessness
• First responders, including fire, police and paramedics

Symptomatic/asymptomatic people:

• Individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit, Métis community, and/or who self-identify as First Nation, Inuit, and Métis, and their household members
• Individuals travelling into First Nation, Inuit, Métis communities for work
• On admission/transfer to or from hospital or congregate living setting
• People in the context of confirmed or suspected outbreaks in highest risk settings as directed by Algoma Public Health
• Individuals, and one accompanying caregiver, with written prior approval for out-of-country medical services from the General Manager, OHIP
• Any patient with a scheduled surgical procedure requiring a general anaesthetic 24-48 hours prior to procedure date
• Newborns born to people with confirmed COVID-19 at the time of birth within 24 hours of delivery, with a repeat test at 48 hours after birth if baseline test is negative, or if the parental test results are pending at the time of discharge
• People 24-48 hours prior to treatment for cancer or prior to hemodialysis, at the discretion of the treating clinician

If you align with one of these groups, please book an appointment for a PCR test at an Assessment Centre in Algoma. 

If you do not align with one of these specific groups, you will not be eligible or able to access PCR testing in Algoma at an Assessment Centre. Please follow the guidance in another section of this webpage based on your situation. 

When assessing yourself for symptoms of COVID-19, it is important that you check for symptoms that are new, getting worse or different from your usual state of health. The symptoms should not be related to any other known health conditions you may have (e.g. fatigue related to insomnia).

Symptoms of COVID-19

The symptoms include:

• Fever and/or chills; OR
• Cough; OR
• Shortness of breath; OR
• Decrease or loss of taste or smell; OR
• Two or more of:
  • runny nose or nasal congestion
  • headache
  • extreme fatigue (general feeing of being unwell, lack of energy, extremely tired)
  • sore throat
  • muscle aches/joint pain
  • gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. vomiting or diarrhea)

Other symptoms that may be related to COVID-19 and should be monitored include: stomach pain, pink eye, and decreased or lack of appetite (for young children and not related to any other known reasons).

I confirm that I have symptoms of COVID-19

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you should immediately self-isolate.

Individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should immediately self-isolate and follow guidance in Section #3 below, unless you are eligible for testing or have access to Rapid Antigen Testing at home. 

Access to testing (not required)

If you are eligible for PCR testing, you are encouraged to visit a local Assessment Centre.

If you are not eligible for PCR testing, but you have access to a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), you can use it to assess the chances that your symptoms may be related to COVID-19.

If you are symptomatic and/or receive a positive result, follow guidance in Section #3 below.

If you receive a negative test result, you should be aware that the test can produce a false negative, particularly in early COVID-19 infection. You should repeat the test at least 24-48 hours after the initial negative test to improve confidence in your results.

If two consecutive RATs, separated by at least 24 hours, are both negative, you are less likely to have a COVID-19 infection. You are still advised to self-isolate until you have no fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms). Your household members do not need to self-isolate if they have no symptoms and have not tested positive themselves

RATs are NOT to be used to determine if you are able to return to work or school. The end of isolation period is based on symptom resolution.

If you do not have a RAT at home to use, please do not visit a local pharmacy for a Rapid Antigen Test if you are symptomatic. You may expose others who are vulnerable to COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, follow guidance in Section #3. 

No access to testing

Not everyone who has symptoms will be eligible to access a confirmatory PCR test or RAT.

If you are not eligible for or able to access a PCR test or RAT, you should follow guidance provided below in Section # 3: I have symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 (RAT or PCR).

I realized that I do not have symptoms of COVID-19

If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you are less likely to have a COVID-19 infection. However, if you are feeling unwell, you are advised to isolate until symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms). Your household members do not need to self-isolate, as long as they have no symptoms.

The reason for isolating until your symptoms resolve is to limit the spread of other illnesses to others in the community (e.g. common cold virus), and to monitor if any other symptoms develop.

If you do develop additional symptoms that match those for COVID-19, you should continue to self-isolate and follow guidance in Section #3.

This information is for the general community, and is not applicable for those who work or live in high-risk settings. If you or your close contacts work or live in a high-risk setting, please review the information for those associated with high risk-settings in Section #5. 

If you tested positive on a Rapid Antigen Test you are not required to report this test to Algoma Public Health.

Step 1: Stay home and self-Isolate immediately

If you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19 or tested positive on a RAT, you no longer need to book a PCR test to confirm your results. You are only able to get a PCR test if eligible.

Directions are the same for those who have symptoms compatible with COVID-19, test positive on a PCR, rapid molecular, or RAT test.

• Symptomatic: Self-isolate until symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and no fever present.

• No Symptoms, But a Positive Test: You do not need to self-isolate unless symptoms develop. If symptoms develop, you should self-isolate immediately until your symptoms improve for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and no fever present.

• Self-isolation means you must:
  • Stay home, and isolate away from others in the home as best as you can to avoid ongoing exposure.
  • Only leave if it’s a medical emergency or if permitted by APH.
  • No visitors unless it’s essential (e.g., health care providers).

• For a total of 10 days after a positive test result or symptom onset (whichever is earlier/applicable), you should:
  • Continue to wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings (including schools and childcare, unless under 2 years old) and avoid non-essential activities where mask removal is necessary (e.g., dining out, playing a wind instrument, high contact sports where masks cannot be safely worn);
  • Not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (e.g., seniors); and
  • Avoid non-essential visits to highest risk settings such as hospitals and long-term care.
• You are encouraged to report your symptoms and/or positive test result to your workplace, and follow any additional recommendations or restrictions from your employer or occupational health and safety department.

Step 2: Notify all Household and Non-Household Close Contacts  

A close contact is someone who had a high-risk exposure to you (symptomatic or positive person) during your infectious period. This means within 48 hours before symptom onset if symptomatic or 48 hours before your positive test (whichever is earlier/applicable) and until you completed your self-isolation period; AND were in close proximity (less than 2 meters) for at least 15 minutes or for multiple short periods of time without measures such as masking, distancing, and/or use of personal protective equipment depending on the nature of contact.

Close contacts should:

• For a total of 10 days after the last exposure to the COVID-19 positive case or individual with COVID-19 symptoms, the individual notified by a case should:
  • Self-monitor for symptoms. They should self-isolate immediately if they develop any symptom of COVID-19 and seek testing if eligible;
  • Wear a well fitted mask in all public settings:
    • Individuals should maintain masking as much as possible in public settings (including school and child care, unless under 2 years old). Reasonable exceptions would include removal for essential activities like eating, while maintaining as much distancing as possible;
    • Participation in activities where masking can be maintained throughout may be resumed, but individuals should avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g., dining out; playing a wind instrument; high contact sports where masks cannot be safely worn); and
    • Individuals who are unable to mask (e.g., children under two years of age, etc.) may return to public settings without masking.
  • Avoid non-essential visits to anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (e.g., seniors); and
  • Avoid non-essential visits to highest risk settings such as hospitals and long-term care homes. Where essential visit cannot be avoided, close contacts should wear a medical mask, maintain physical distancing, and notify the highest risk setting of their recent exposure.

This information is for the general community, and is not applicable for those who work or live in high-risk settings. If you work or live in a high-risk setting, please review the information for those associated with high risk-settings in Section #5. 

• For a total of 10 days after the last exposure to the COVID-19 positive case or individual with COVID-19 symptoms, you should:
  • Self-monitor for symptoms. Self-isolate immediately if you develop any symptom of COVID-19 and seek testing if eligible;
  • Wear a well fitted mask in all public settings.
    • Individuals should maintain masking as much as possible in public settings (including school and child care, unless under 2 years old). Reasonable exceptions would include removal for essential activities like eating, while maintaining as much distancing as possible.
    • Participation in activities where masking can be maintained throughout may be resumed, but individuals should avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g., dining out; playing a wind instrument; high contact sports where masks cannot be safely worn); and
    • Individuals who are unable to mask (e.g., children under two years of age, etc.) may return to public settings without masking.
  • Avoid non-essential visits to anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (e.g., seniors); and
  • Avoid non-essential visits to highest risk settings such as hospitals and long-term care homes. Where essential visit cannot be avoided, close contacts should wear a medical mask, maintain physical distancing, and notify the highest risk setting of their recent exposure.

This information is not applicable for the general public.

High-risk settings include: Hospitals (including complex continuing care facilities and paramedic services), home and community care workers and congregate living settings, including but not limited to, long-term care, retirement homes, First nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices , correctional institutions, Provincial Demonstration Schools, and hospital schools.

General guidance for those who work, volunteer, or live in a high-risk setting can be found below.         

I am a Confirmed Case (via PCR or Rapid Antigen Testing) of COVID-19:

• Self-isolate and immediately notify the high-risk setting.
• If the case works in a highest risk setting, they should speak with their employer and follow their workplace guidance for return to work.
• For routine operations (i.e., in the absence of staff shortages), COVID-19 positive cases that work in highest risk settings may return to work:
  • 10 days after symptom onset or date of specimen collection (whichever is earlier); AND
  • Provided they have no fever and other symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms).

Testing for clearance is not recommended.

• Residents or inpatients of a high-risk setting must isolate for at least 10 days after symptom onset or positive test result, whichever came sooner, AND until they have no fever and symptoms are improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms).
• APH will follow-up with confirmed cases of COVID-19 that live or work in a high-risk setting.

I have Symptoms Compatible with COVID-19 (Presumed COVID-19):

• Self-isolate and immediately notify the high-risk setting.
• If you are a worker or volunteer at the high-risk setting, do not go to work or volunteer until you receive further information from your employer. You will be required to exclude yourself from the workplace for at least 10 days after your symptom onset.
• Schedule a PCR test at the local COVID-19 Assessment Centre, advising them that you work, live, or volunteer at a high-risk setting.
• If you test negative on PCR or RAT, you must continue to self-isolate until your respiratory symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms), AND you are afebrile without the use of fever reducing medication. If your symptoms worsen, seek PCR testing again. You must continue to exclude yourself from the workplace for at least 10 days after your symptom onset.
• Residents or inpatients of a high-risk setting that test positive must isolate for at least 10 days after symptom onset or positive test result, whichever came sooner, AND until they have no fever and symptoms are improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms).

I am a Close Contact or Household Member of a Confirmed Case of COVID-19 (via PCR or Rapid Antigen Test) or a Person with Symptoms of COVID-19:

Those who live in the setting:

• Close contacts who live in a highest risk setting may need to isolate following a high-risk exposure, based on the sector-specific isolation guidance, direction from local PHU, or direction from the local hospital IPAC team for hospitalized patients.

Those who work in the setting:

• Employees working in highest risk settings who have had a high-risk exposure to a COVID-19 case should speak with their employer to report their exposure and follow workplace guidance for return to work.
• Employees working in highest risk settings should self-monitor for symptoms for a total of 10 days after the last exposure to the COVID-19 positive case or individual with COVID-19 symptoms.
• All employees should self-isolate immediately if they develop any symptom of COVID-19 and seek testing if eligible.
• Individuals who are required to work in person may attend the highest risk setting right away following the guidance below.
• Close contacts should self-monitor for 10 days from last exposure.
• Close contacts who develop any symptom(s) of COVID-19 should self-isolate immediately and be tested by molecular testing as soon as possible.
• Where feasible, additional workplace measures for individuals who are self-monitoring for 10 days from last exposure may include:
  • Recommending that close contacts with a household (ongoing) exposure obtain an immediate PCR or rapid molecular test, and re-testing at day 5 from initial exposure if initial test was negative.
  • Recommending that close contacts with a discrete (one-time) high-risk exposure obtain PCR or rapid molecular testing at day 5 from initial exposure.
  • Testing of close contacts with rapid antigen testing for 10 days may be recommended (as an alternative to PCR/molecular testing and/or in addition to PCR/molecular testing) based on setting specific IPAC and/or Occupational Health direction.
  • Where testing is recommended, individuals may continue to attend the highest risk setting even if test results are pending or if testing was not obtained, unless otherwise directed by their IPAC/Occupational health lead.
  • Active screening for symptoms ahead of each shift.
  • Individuals should not remove their mask when in the presence of other staff to reduce exposure to co-workers (i.e., not eating meals/drinking in a shared space such as conference room or lunch room).
  • Working in only one facility, where possible.
  • Ensuring well-fitting source control masking for the staff to reduce the risk of transmission (e.g., a well-fitting medical mask or fit or non-fit tested N95 respirator or KN95). 

Follow any additional guidance or recommendations on testing provided to you by your facility or APH. 

Algoma has a safe voluntary isolation site for people who do not have access to suitable shelter or cannot self-isolate safely in their own homes.

APH is also able to connect cases and household contacts required to isolate with an essential service provider if they do not have the immediate, essential resources needed to isolate safely and cannot access alternate community supports for curbside drop-off.

For more information and to be connected to these resources, please call the General COVID-19 Phone Line at 705-942-4646 ext. 5404 or 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404. Our phone line is open weekdays and weekends (7 days a week) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

If you are a care-giver to someone with COVID-19, please see this handout for more information on keeping yourself safe.

Notifying Your Employer as a Case or Close Contact

Individuals that have symptoms of COVID-19, test positive or are identified close contacts are asked to follow the steps detailed above. 

Individuals who test positive are encouraged to inform their employer that they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and are required to self-isolate, to make sure appropriate workplace precautions are taken to prevent any workplace transmission of COVID- 19.

Information Available to Employers from Algoma Public Health

Workplaces with individuals who have tested positive or are close contacts will not receive outreach or an explanatory letter from APH. APH will also not be able to provide the name(s), number of cases or high-risk contacts, or case and contact management details to workplaces, unless they are a high-risk setting being monitored directly by APH. 

Reporting Workplace Illness, Cases to the Ministry of Labor

In accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations (i.e., Ontario Regulation 420/ 21–Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act – Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents.), if an employer is advised that a worker has an occupational illness, or that a claim has been made to the WSIB by or on behalf of the worker with respect to an occupational illness, the employer must provide written notice within four days to:

• A Director appointed under the OHSA of the Ministry of Labor, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD);
• The workplace’s Joint Health and Safety Committee (or health and safety representative); and
• The worker’s trade union, if any.

This may include providing notice for an infection that is acquired in the workplace.

Under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, an employer must also report to WSIB within 72 hours of receiving notice of occupational illness.

For further information and reporting, contact:

• Ministry of Labor, Training and Skills Development – Health and Safety Contact Centre Contact Centre (1-877-202-0008)
• Ministry of Labor, Training and Skills Development – Employment Standards Information Centre (1-800-531-5551)
• WSIB: 416-344-1000 or Toll-free: 1-800-387-0750.

Take care of your mental health

It's normal for situations like COVID-19 to affect your mental health. 

It is completely natural to feel stress and concern during these times and so it is important to practice positive coping strategies. It is also completely OK to ask for help.

For resources and tips to take care of your mental health during COVID-19, visit our Mental Health and COVID-19 webpage.

To connect with the General COVID-19 Phone Line, please call 705-942-4646 ext. 5404 or 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404. Our phone line is open weekdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Due to high demand, before calling, please review the resources above and the COVID-19 webpage for more information.

You are able to access COVID-19 testing if:

• You are from a First Nation, Métis, Inuit community and/or self-identify as First Nation, Métis, Inuit.
• You are a household member of someone who self-identifies as First Nation, Metis or Inuit.
• You travel into First Nation, Métis, Inuit communities for work.

You may also be eligible for PCR testing based on other eligibility criteria listed above in Section #1.

You are able to access testing (ID Now, RAT or PCR) through your First Nation community Health Centre, Maamwesying Northern Clinic, Indigenous Friendship Centre, or Baawaating Family Health Team.

As per provincial testing guidance, you are also eligible for PCR testing at a local Assessment Centre.

According to provincial guidance, First Nation communities in general are not defined as a highest-risk setting.

However, Indigenous peoples are at higher risk of adverse health outcomes related to COVID-19, and remain a priority group eligible for PCR testing in Ontario. First Nations community members follow the same case and contact guidance as provided on this webpage.

For general information on COVID-19, visit the Indigenous Health and COVID-19 webpage.

First Nation Communities continue to lead their community COVID-19 response in collaboration with public health. Many First Nation communities are continuing to conduct point-of-testing case management.

This means that if you are symptomatic or test positive on a COVID-19 test administered by the Community Health Nurse or provider at the Health Centre, they will provide you with your test results, self-isolation information, and information on how to notify your household members and close contacts. The information provided will be consistent with this webpage and the linked resources available to you.

If you were PCR tested at an Algoma Assessment Centre, you will not receive case management directly from APH. You will either (a) receive a call from your community health centre or provider who will conduct case management, or (b) receive a call from a non-local number (COVID-19 Provincial Workforce) or SMS text survey confirming your results and collecting data for the purposes of reporting and surveillance, if living outside of a First Nation community.

You can also follow the information on this webpage for persons with symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19.

In addition to supports provided by Algoma Public Health, you are encouraged to contact your First Nation community Health Centre, the Indigenous Friendship Centre, or Baawaating Family Health Team for additional support or if you would like to access COVID-19 testing in your community. 

To connect with Algoma Public Health, please call 705-942-4646 ext. 5404 or 1-866-892-0172 ext. 5404. Our phone line is open weekdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  

It is important to do your Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) properly to get the most accurate result.

Your RAT kit should come with instructions. In addition to the collection method option approved by Health Canada (as described on your kit instructions), your rapid antigen test can more reliably detect Omicron if you perform a combined oral and nasal sampling. You can voluntarily perform the combined oral and nasal sampling method.

Check out this fact sheet with the steps to collect your sample for the rapid antigen test. There are steps to swab your mouth and nose, as recommended with Omicron, and only your nose (if preferred).

You can also watch this video to help walk though through the steps for doing a RAT correctly.

Random, one-time rapid antigen testing should not be relied on as a measure to enable social activities.

If you have no symptoms and no known exposure to COVID-19, and decide to complete a rapid antigen test outside of a routine screening program, for example, before going to social event, you should complete the test as close to the event as possible (e.g. within a few hours of the event) and should understand the limitations to a negative result.

Limitations to one-time, asymptomatic rapid testing include that:

• A negative test result could be a false negative.
• People infected with COVID-19 may test negative for several days before testing positive on a rapid antigen test. A negative test may represent a false negative and your infection status may change within hours of taking the test.
• When used by individuals without a known exposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19, a positive result could be a false positive.

It is best to self-screen for symptoms routinely, and use strategies to protect yourself against COVID-19 (e.g. stay home if sick, practice hand hygiene, stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, etc.). 

Workers in the broader community (non-highest risk settings) who tested positive or isolated due to COVID-19 symptoms are not required to provide proof of a negative test result or a positive serological test result to their employers in order to return to work.

APH does not provide documentation to individuals to bring to their employer.

It is expected that workers who have tested positive or who have symptoms of COVID-19 abide by public health direction (and occupational health, where applicable) on when they would be considered clear to return to work.

If you had a confirmed positive case of COVID-19, by using a RAT or PCR test, you can resume asymptomatic screening with RATs 90 days from symptom onset or your positive test date, whichever came first.

Recent COVID-19 Infection and Testing Positive

If you recently had COVID-19, it is possible that you will continue to test positive for a while after your infection. This is why you should not continue to rapid antigen test for 90 days after your symptoms started or your positive test date, whichever came first.

Limits of an at-home RAT

Unfortunately, if you did a rapid test at home when you had COVID-19, you will not have a document showing your test result. A picture of the test itself does not count as documentation.

This means you will likely have to wait until you receive a negative test result from a provider-administered COVID-19 test (e.g. rapid antigen test from a pharmacy) before you will pass travel requirements where proof of a negative COVID-19 test is needed.

Proof of Being Positive from Algoma Public Health Not Available

Algoma Public Health is unable to provide a form or document as proof of being recently positive for COVID-19 for travel. This is not something that local public health is able to provide.

Testing for Travel Out of Canada

Depending on where you are travelling to, you may be required to present a molecular or antigen test result.

Travel requirements are generally Federal, overseen by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and enforced by the Canadian Border Service Agency (CBSA). Local public health does not have records of requirements for travel to all destinations.

You will need to identify what is required pre-departure, based on the mode of travel (land, air, etc.) and where you are going.  

To know if and what type of test you will need, you can connect with:

• Your travel agent.
• The airline you are flying with, or the airport you are flying out of or into.
• The country or location you are visiting.  

You cannot receive a free PCR test for travel at the Assessment Centre. However, you can receive private testing for a fee.

If you require a molecular or antigen test, you can visit:

• Local pharmacy administering rapid antigen tests.
• North Stream Rapid Labs – RAT and PCR available. Visit:  https://www.northstreamrapidlabs.ca/

These location swill provide you with a printout as proof of your result.

Requirements for Returning to Canada

All individuals permitted to enter Canada should follow the Federal Emergency Orders and public health and workplace rules, self-monitor for symptoms, and immediately self-isolate should symptoms develop

Examples of immunocompromised include cancer chemotherapy, untreated HIV infection with CD4 T lymphocyte count < 200, combined primary immunodeficiency disorder, taking prednisone > 20 mg/day (or equivalent) for more than 14 days, and taking other immune suppressive medications.

Factors such as advanced age, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease are generally not considered severe immune compromise impacting non-test based clearance.

Self-isolation means:

• You stay home and do not attend work, school, child care, or other public places.
• You should only leave home if there is a medical emergency or if you need to get a clinical assessment or test.

Looking for tips on how to self-isolate? Check out this fact sheet.

Getting a shared ride to an Assessment Centre or Medical Care

If you need to leave the home, such as to get to an assessment center or medical care, you should travel in a private vehicle if possible.

If this is not possible, you should wear a medical mask, keep distance from others in the vehicle (e.g., sit in the backseat), and if possible and weather permitting, open the windows to increase air exchange in the vehicle.

Getting exercise while in isolation

You may leave your home for independent outdoor exercise (or with a caregiver, as appropriate), but should maintain physical distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) from others at all times.

You should not go to outdoor fitness classes or personal training sessions and should wear a mask in common areas when leaving the property, if self-isolating in an apartment building, condo or hotel.

Isolating in a shared space

As much as possible, the case should stay in a separate room away from other people in the home and use a separate bathroom. If in the same room, they should wear a mask (medical mask if available) and improve ventilation (e.g. windows should be open if possible).

Household caregivers should refer to the fact sheet on Self-Isolation: Guide for caregivers, family members and close contacts. Anyone who is at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 (e.g., immunocompromised and/or elderly) should avoid caring for or coming in close contact with a case.

Self-monitoring means checking yourself for COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing for at least 10 days following your exposure.

Looking for tips on how to self-monitor? Check out this fact sheet.

I had symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive (RAT or PCR):

• Anyone involved in sports or physical activity (outside the home) who cannot maintain masking and physical distancing requirements should not return to practice or play for 10 days from the date of a positive test result or symptom onset (whichever is earlier/applicable). 

This additional precaution is needed due to residual risk of ongoing infectiousness. In addition to the ‘time to return,’ it is important that you self-screen and ensure no symptoms remain.

I was a close contact:

•  Anyone involved in sports or physical activity (outside the home) who is self-monitoring as a close contact and who cannot maintain masking and physical distancing requirements, should avoid practice or play for 10 days after your last exposure. 

This applies to all sports (not just contact sports), and also applies to attending gyms or other places where physical activity occurs and mask removal may be necessary around other people.

YES. While previous COVID-19 infection can provide some protection, staying up-to-date vaccination including booster doses is still recommended to provide longer-lasting and stronger protection.

You can get COVID-19 more than once for a variety of reasons. While a previous COVID-19 infection may provide some degree of short-term immunity, immunity does decrease over time and a person’s risk of severe illness may increase with each re-infection (Public Health Ontario).

If you are infected with COVID-19, you are able to receive your next dose of COVID-19 vaccine once your isolation period has ended. However, it is strongly recommended to wait the suggested interval to boost your immune response and protection against COVID-19.

To learn more about when you should get your next dose after having COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.

This is an important question! The best way to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks and keep our community safe is by using a layered approach.

Cases and contact management is one layer, but with the amount of COVID-19 in our community, a general containment strategy using case and contact management does not contribute to the prevention of outbreaks like it used to earlier in the pandemic. As the course of the pandemic changes with new highly transmissible variants, increased vaccination, etc., so does our approach.

It’s most helpful to focus on the most effective layers of protection such as:

• Self-screen daily before leaving your home and throughout the day
• Frequently sanitize your hands and high-touch surfaces
• Consider wearing a mask when in closed or crowded spaces, especially if you are at higher risk for illness
• Stay home when sick
• Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms, through an at-home rapid antigen test or PCR test, if eligible
• Follow the public health recommendations on this webpage if your are symptomatic, test positive, or are identified as a close contact
• Get vaccinated with all recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine
• Report your symptoms or positive test result to any highest-risk settings you may have attended, so that we can identify where COVID-19 is present and quickly conduct outbreak management (cohorting, isolation, increased measures, etc.)

These are all things we can do as individuals, and as a community, to keep each other safe and healthy.