2019 Novel Coronavirus (New Coronavirus)

How to protect yourself

The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including the new coronavirus is to:

• stay home when ill;
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve;
• wash hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub; and
• clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

Halton Region Public Health does not recommend wearing a surgical or N95 mask for day-to-day activities.

For more information, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Novel Coronavirus infection: Symptoms and treatment webpage (external link).

Travellers should consult the Travel Canada (external link) website for the latest health advice prior to departure.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus infection include fever, cough and breathing difficulties.

Contact Halton Region Public Health immediately by calling 311, 905-825-6000 or toll free at 1-866-442-5866 if you have:

• a fever OR cough OR pneumonia AND any of the following:
  • Travelled to mainland China, in the 14 days before onset of illness; or
  • close contact with a confirmed or probable case of 2019-nCoV; or
  • close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has been to mainland China within 14 days prior to their illness onset.

Halton Public Health will coordinate with local healthcare providers to arrange appropriate testing.

Anyone with severe symptoms should seek medical attention by calling 911. Please inform 911 of your symptoms and recent travel history to ensure the right infection prevention and control precautions are taken.

Travelers

If you have travelled to Hubei province within the last 14 days, please contact Halton Region Public Health by calling 311. Halton Region Public Health recommends you limit your contact with others for a total of 14 days from the date that you left Hubei.

If you have travelled to mainland China, Halton Region Public Health recommends you to monitor for symptoms for 14 days. If you develop fever or cough, contact Public Health by calling 311.

Anyone with severe symptoms should seek medical attention by calling 911. Please inform 911 of your symptoms and recent travel history to ensure the right infection prevention and control precautions are taken.

Treatment

At this time, there is no specific treatment for coronavirus infection and no vaccine. Most people with common coronavirus will recover on their own by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids;
• Getting rest and sleeping as much as possible; and
• Using a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough.

For more information please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Novel Coronavirus infection: Symptoms and treatment webpage (external link).

To contact Halton Region Public Health, call 311, 905-825-6000 or toll free at 1-866-442-5866.