Advice for the Community
Stay healthy using a layered approach
Protect yourself, those around you and our health care system from respiratory viruses by using "layers of protection". Using layers of protection helps lower your risk of getting and spreading infection.
For the best protection, Public Health recommends all individuals stay up-to-date on their vaccines, including vaccines against COVID-19 and the flu, and wear a mask.
Layers of protection
- Get vaccinated and stay up to date
Everyone is encouraged to get up-to-date with all vaccines, find out when you need to get your next COVID-19 vaccine, and get the flu shot once available.
COVID-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as, or any time before or after, other vaccines, for all age groups. There is no time interval to wait.
If you've felt confused about COVID-19 vaccination for you or your child, you aren't alone. Talk to a health care provider who will listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
- Wear a mask
Masks help protect you and those around you from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
Learn about masks.
- Stay home if you're sick
Whether you have COVID-19 or not, stay home if you're feeling sick to help prevent whatever infection you may have from spreading to others.
Learn about COVID-19 self-isolation, symptoms and testing.
- Spend time outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces
Ensure your ventilation system is in good working order. If you don't have a ventilation system, open windows to increase fresh air flow (if weather permits and can be tolerated).
Learn about how ventilation helps protect against the spread of COVID-19.
If you use a forced air system to heat or cool your home:
- Set the system to "Fan On position" if possible
- Replace your filter when needed
- Upgrade to a filter with a higher MERV rating if possible
- Check your owner's manual for details or consult a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) professional before making any changes to your system
Avoid using portable fans, ceiling fans and single unit air conditioners. If you must use them, aim the air stream to avoid blowing directly at or between people in the room. Consider using fans that vent to the outside, such as a box fan in a window, a bathroom exhaust fan and a kitchen exhaust fan. Make sure you open a window when using these fans if possible.
Try to maintain an optimal humidity level, between 30 and 50 per cent in your home. A humidifier or dehumidifier can help you achieve this.
For other ventilation options, speak with a HVAC professional or see Health Canada's guidance document 'At home: Using ventilation and filtration to reduce the risk of aerosol transmission of COVID-19'.
- Clean your hands often
- Practise respiratory etiquette and keep things clean
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or into your sleeve. Throw used tissues into a covered, compostable bag lined organics bin or a plastic lined garbage can. Clean your hands after.
Avoid sharing personal items, especially those that come into contact with saliva, such as toothbrushes and eating utensils.
Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly using a disinfectant and following manufacturer’s instructions. Learn about cleaning and disinfecting and COVID-19.
Those at higher risk of severe outcomes
While anyone can get really sick from viruses like COVID-19, the flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), some people are more at risk of a severe outcome, such as hospitalization or even death, from getting infected. This can be due to factors such as age or having an underlying medical condition. Social factors, like income status, can also put people more at risk.
By using layers of protection, we not only help protect ourselves but also the most vulnerable people in our community, such as children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. If you are someone who may be at higher risk of a severe outcome from an infection, it is all the more important to use layers of protection to help stay healthy.
Learn who is most at risk of severe outcomes for COVID-19, the flu, and RSV.
International travel advice
See the Public Health Agency of Canada's travel advice for international travel and COVID-19.
If you were vaccinated in Ontario, learn about getting your proof of vaccination.
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