COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from person to person, in different age groups and depending on the COVID-19 variant. You may start experiencing symptoms anywhere from 1 to 14 days after exposure. Typically, symptoms appear between 3 and 7 days after exposure. Some of the more commonly reported symptoms include:

sore throat
runny nose
sneezing
new or worsening cough
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
temperature equal to or more than 38°C
feeling feverish
chills
fatigue or weakness
muscle or body aches
new loss of smell or taste
headache
abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting
feeling very unwell

If you don’t feel well or if you have any symptoms, even if mild, assume you may have COVID-19. Immediately isolate at home and away from others until your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea).

For more information please see:

Protection from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses

Self-assessment tool

Just like other respiratory viruses, COVID-19 can spread in several ways including, from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. That's why using several layers of protection is the most effective way to help reduce your risk of getting and spreading viruses.

It's important to:

stay up to date on vaccinations
stay home when sick
clean your hands often with soap and water or use hand rub containing at least 60% alcohol, and avoid touching your face with unclean hands
cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the bend of your arm
clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects frequently
pay attention to public health alerts and advice in your community

By reducing the spread of these viruses, we help protect ourselves and others, including people who are at risk of more serious complications from infection, while also decreasing pressure on the healthcare system.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect our families, communities and ourselves against COVID-19. Evidence indicates that the vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

However, vaccines are not 100% effective and you may still become infected with or without symptoms.

Learn more about the available vaccines, eligibility and booking an appointment at COVID‑19 vaccines | ontario.ca.

COVID-19 testing locations can be found here: Testing Locations

Health unit offices have a limited supply of rapid antigen tests available at the following locations

For more information about using a Rapid Antigen test, please visit the Rapid Testing for at home use page