posted 2020-03-12 11:49 by John Chan

Answering your COVID-19 questions

Today (Mar 12, 2020) the World Health Organization (WHO) upgraded the COVID-19 outbreak from a global health emergency to a pandemic. While the global situation is changing rapidly, York Region Public Health remains committed to providing residents with trusted, dependable and timely updates about COVID-19. You can find up-to-date information about Public Health preparations, symptoms and transmission, how to protect yourself and more on the dedicated COVID-19 page provided.

Planning to travel over March Break?

With March Break only days away, we know many York Region families may have upcoming travel plans. Be sure to check any travel advisories before you leave town and follow the appropriate precautions upon your return. Travellers returning from Iran or Hubei province are required to contact Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 and self-isolate for 14 days upon return.

All other international travellers should monitor themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, new cough, shortness of breath) for 14 days after returning.

Break the chain of transmission

With new emerging cases in York Region, the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and common cold and flu viruses is to practice good hygiene and take steps to prevent the spread of respiratory infections.

Here are some hygiene tips:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you are sick
• Increase cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces like toilets, sink tap handles, doorknobs and countertops using regular household cleaners
• Avoid sharing toothbrushes, eating utensils, drinks or water bottles and towels

Learn more at York.ca/COVID-19