Public Health Agency of Canada:
- COVID-19: Symptoms, treatment, what to do if you feel sick
- Respiratory infectious diseases: Reduce your risk
Public Health Ontario:
Caring for Kids:
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019, SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It first emerged in late 2019 and quickly spread worldwide, resulting in a global pandemic. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and it can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces.
Late fall and winter are peak times for respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 to spread.
Find information on who is eligible for publicly funded testing, where to access testing, and what treatments are available.
More information about COVID-19
Report to the Health Unit within one business day by fax (705-482-0670) or phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have COVID-19?
Ill individuals should remain home until they do not have a fever, do not develop any new symptoms, and symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea).
Note: exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare providers.
Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace. See Protection from respiratory illnesses for additional information.
Ministry of Health:
- COVID-19
- Ontario Together: Help fight COVID-19 (Rapid tests and N95 respirator fit testing)
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development:
- COVID-19 and workplace health and safety
- Guide to developing your COVID-19 workplace safety plan
- Using masks in the workplace
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit:
High-risk settings
Ministry of Health:
Health care settings
Public Health Ontario:
- PIDAC: Best Practices for the Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infection Transmission in All Health Care Settings
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19 Prevention
Public Health Agency of Canada:
- Updated guidance for infection prevention and control in health care setting when COVID-19 is suspected or confirmed – April 2024
- COVID-19: Cleaning and disinfecting
Childcare Centres
Caring for Kids:
Public Health Agency of Canada:
Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes
Public Health Ontario:
Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority:
Public Health Ontario:
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit:
Public Health Agency of Canada:
Post COVID-19 condition information
Public Health Agency of Canada:
Healthcare provider information
Public Health Agency of Canada:
Immunize Canada:
Public Health Agency of Canada:
Ontario Health:
Ontario Medical Association:
Infection prevention and control
In addition to routine practices, droplet and contact precautions are recommended.
Public Health Ontario:
Ministry of Health - Ontario Public Health Standards:
Public Health Agency of Canada:
World Health Organization:
Public Health Ontario:
Questions?
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll-free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca.
Speak with a registered nurse by phone or online for free, secure, and confidential health advice 24/7 with Health811.
Last updated: June 2026, by CDC
Get the Facts.
Have a judgement-free conversation and get accurate vaccine information from Doctors at VaxFacts.
The Flu
The flu can spread from droplets released in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
