General information about COVID-19

From the World Health Organization: "COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019."

On March 11th, the World Health Organization (WHO), declared COVID-10 a pandemic. You can find updates on the number of cases in Ontario here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

From the WHO: A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease.

Again, information from the WHO: "The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.

Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who get COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention."

We all have a role to play in preventing the transmission of COVID19. The Government of Canada has information on:

• How coronavirus spreads
• Preventing coronavirus
• Difference between self-monitor, self isolate and isolate
• Risks of getting coronavirus
• False and misleading claims

And, watch this video on proper handwashing technique (shared with us by a Family Council member. Thanks!)

From the government of Ontario:

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact, for example, in a household, workplace or health care centre.

There is no vaccine available to protect against the 2019 novel coronavirus.

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health:

• wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• avoid contact with people who are sick
• stay home if you are sick

Here is good information.

Your loved one's long-term care home will have information for you.

The Ontario government is providing regular updates on COVID-19 here: The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Other trusted sources include:

• The Ministry of Health & Ministry of Long-Term Care
• Public Health Ontario
• Your local public health office
• The World Health Organization (WHO)

Additional resources:

• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Guidance for Long-Term Care
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Vulnerable populations and COVID-19

On March 17th, 2020, the Government of Ontario announced that it is taking decisive action by making an order declaring an emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Read more in the news release.

Ontario has extended orders currently in force under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act until September 22, 2020, with the following exceptions:

• The Education Sector order will end on August 31, 2020.
• The Limitation Periods order will end and suspended time periods will resume running on September 14, 2020.

The government will continue to review all orders and will report on order extensions to the newly created Select Committee on Emergency Management Oversight.