Self-Isolation Instructions

If you have respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, etc.), please stay home and take Ontario’s self-assessment for recommendations on what to do next.

General guidance

Consider going out / leaving isolation

• If your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea).
• If you no longer have a fever.
• If you have not developed any additional symptoms.

When returning to public settings
After your symptoms improve, please be extra careful for about 10 days.

• Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings.
• Avoid non-essential activities where you need to take off your mask (for example, dining out).
• Avoid non-essential visits with anyone who is immunocompromised or may be at higher risk of illness (e.g. seniors).
• Avoid non-essential visits to highest risk settings in the community such as hospitals and long-term care homes.

Guidance for high-risk individuals

For individuals who are immunocompromised:

• Self-isolate for at least 10 days after your symptoms start or after a positive COVID-19 test (whichever is earlier).
• After 10 days, consider leaving isolation if you don’t have a fever and your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (48 hours if your symptoms are gastrointestinal, i.e., nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea).
• Consider discussing with your healthcare provider if you would benefit from anti-viral treatment.

Do you live or work in a high-risk setting?

• If you work in a high-risk setting and you either have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19 on a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test, you must notify your employer. Please follow your workplace guidance for return to work.

• If you live in a high-risk setting and you either have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for COVID-19, public health and the facility will work together to provide isolation instructions.

High-risk settings include: hospitals (including complex continuing care facilities and paramedic services), home and community care workers and congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals, 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.

Are you a close contact of someone with COVID-19?

You’ve been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or someone with COVID-19 symptoms. Now what? For a total of 10 days after your last exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has COVID-19 symptoms:

• Self-monitor for symptoms. If any develop, self-isolate immediately and seek testing if eligible.
• Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings and maintain masking as much as possible in public (including school and childcare, unless under 2 years of age).
• Avoid activities where mask removal is necessary (e.g., dining out, playing a wind instrument, high contact sports where masks cannot be safely worn).
• Individuals who are unable to mask (e.g., children under two years of age) 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).
• Avoid non-essential visits to highest-risk settings (e.g., hospitals, long-term care homes). Where essential visits cannot be avoided, close contacts should wear a medical mask, maintain physical distancing, and notify the highest risk setting of their recent exposure.

Mental Health Supports and Resources

If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider or someone you trust. Consider calling Reach Out 24/7 at 1-866-933-2023. This confidential, mental health services line can provide assistance and understanding during challenging times.

• Southwest Healthline (Directory of Health Services in Southwestern Ontario)
• Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services (Canadian Mental Health Association)
• Reach Out 24/7
• Find mental health support (Ontario Government)
• The Working Mind: COVID-19 Self-Care and Resilience Guide (PDF)
  Everyone has their own response to stress. This guide will help you create a self-care and resilience plan, as well as identify additional people and resources for support.
• Video: Strategies for Mental Health (YouTube)
  Taking care of your mental health is so important. Workplace Strategies has produced a series of short videos to help. Help yourself by taking a few minutes to watch these videos.
• Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support
  Wellness Together Canada provides free online resources, tools, apps, and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals.
• Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
• 24-Hour Talk 4 Healing
  Talk-text-chat in 14 languages and Help Line 4 Aboriginal Women: 1-855-554-HEAL (4325)
• Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration