COVID-19
Here are some themes and most asked questions we get about COVID-19.
Take the COVID 19 Online Self-Assessment:
- https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/
Take the COVID-19 School Screen
- https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
Click here for a detailed up to date list of all those who are eligible: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/second-dose-information.aspx
Here is a great resource if you have questions on the MrNA in children.
Non-funded testing is widely available at most pharmacies.
If tested positive: Stay home while you are sick to prevent transmission to others, except for testing or medical care if required.
You should not go into public spaces unless it is for a critical reason (like going to a testing location, clinical assessment centre or for a medical emergency). Wear a well-fitted mask if you must leave home for these reasons.
These are general guidelines.
You should stay home (self-isolate) until:
- your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea) and
- you do not have a fever and
- you do not develop any additional symptoms
- Get more tips on how to safely self-isolate
After you are done self-isolating, for 10 days after your symptoms started:
- Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings (including school and child care)
- Avoid non-essential activities where you need to take off your mask (for example, playing a wind instrument in music class or removing your mask for sports or dining out)
- Avoid visiting anyone who is immunocompromised or may be at higher risk of illness (for example, seniors)
- avoid non-essential visits to highest risk settings such as hospitals and long-term care homes
For those with negative COVID-19 test results, these additional precautions can be an added layer of prevention against the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses circulating in the community.
Wear a mask in indoor public settings
It is strongly recommended that all individuals age 2 or older wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings. This includes school and child care due to the additional risk of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza.
Children age 2 to 5 should only wear a mask if they are supervised, can safely tolerate masking, and can put their mask on and take it off.