Do I need to self-isolate?

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate immediately and call a testing centre to book an appointment. If you choose not to be tested, you must self-isolate 14 days and until you have been fever-free for 24 hours and your symptoms are improving.

If you need immediate medical attention call 911. Make sure to mention your symptoms, travel history, and if you are a close contact to someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Self-isolate immediately if:

• you have been in close contact with a person:
• who has or may have COVID-19 (this includes contact within 48 hours before symptoms started)
• who has symptoms of COVID-19 (this includes contact within 48 hours before symptoms started)
• you have returned from travel outside of Canada (whether or not you have symptoms) *As per Government of Canada Quarantine Act

What does close contact mean?

• who has or may have COVID-19 (this includes contact within 48 hours before symptoms started);
• who has symptoms of COVID-19 (this includes contact within 48 hours before symptoms started); or
• who recently travelled outside of Canada.

What is self-isolation?

• Public Health Ontario: How to self-isolate
• Government of Canada’s resource: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): How to isolate at home when you may have COVID-19

How long is self-isolation?

If you have returned from travel outside of Canada and NO symptoms

Fourteen (14) days since your return to Canada
AND you have not developed any symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, or difficulty breathing)

If you have returned from travel outside of Canada and HAVE symptoms

Fourteen (14) days since your return to Canada OR 14 days after your symptoms started, whichever is longer
AND you are fever-free (temperature is less than 37.8°C) for 24 hours
AND your symptoms are improving
AND you are not an essential service worker*

If you have COVID-19 OR If you have been in close contact with someone who has or may have COVID-19

Contact North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit for guidance 1-800-563-2808.

Self-isolation after testing

• If you were tested for COVID-19, please read You were tested for COVID-19: What you should know (Public Health Ontario). Also note:
  • If you had recent travel outside of Canada, you are mandated under the Quarantine Act to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of COVID-19 test results.
  • Essential workers: self-isolation guidelines may differ if you have no symptoms of COVID-19 but have travelled or had a close contact with a case. For more information, contact the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808 and your employer or human resources department for further direction. Outside of work, you must self-isolate for 14 days from your last exposure or return from travel.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild (and no travel) and are NOT tested

Fourteen (14) days after symptoms started
AND you are fever-free (temperature is less than 37.8°C) for 24 hours
AND your symptoms are improving
AND you are not an essential service worker*

*For essential service worker, contact your employer/HR/occupational health department for further direction. Note, essential service workers may break self-isolation recommendations at work, but should continue with self-isolation recommendations for community and home.

What should I do if I live with or care for someone who has or may have COVID-19?

If you are living with or caring for a person who has or may have COVID-19, there are a number of things you can do to help protect yourself and others who are living in your home. Review these documents to learn more:

• Public Health Ontario Self-Isolation: Guide for caregivers, household members and close contacts
• Government of Canada Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): How to care for a person with COVID-19 at home – Advice for caregivers

Should I wear a face covering?

Visit our face coverings page for the most up-to-date information.

What items should I have on hand when caring for someone with COVID-19?

When caring for someone with COVID-19, at minimum, have:

• personal hygiene products
• face coverings
• disposable gloves
• eye protection
• cleaning supplies.

In addition, the Government of Canada has a sample list of supplies to have in your home, visit: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Be prepared fact sheet.

Multi-Unit Housing

The following posters are available to print and display in multi-unit housing buildings. Click on the image to view full size and download.