Self-Isolation

You are to self-isolate if you fall under one of the following:

  • Start to develop symptoms (see specific guidance for children and adults)
  • Are living with a household member that has symptoms and is being sent for COVID-19 testing
  • Are a close contact of a positive case with COVID-19
  • Are a laboratory confirmed case with COVID-19
  • Are required to do so under the Quarantine Act due to travel outside of Canada

Learn how to quarantine at home during COVID-19 if you're a Canadian crossing the border daily to attend school in the United States

Download self-isolation information sheet.

How to Self-Isolate

  • Stay at home and indoors. Don't go to school, work or any public areas.
  • Find alternate accommodations away from anyone else if possible
  • If getting alternate accommodations isn't possible, stay in a separate room
    • Have a caregiver bring meals and supplies to the room and drop off outside the door
    • Have a bathroom in your home dedicated to only you. If a bathroom needs to be shared, clean after every use.
    • Don't share utensils, toothbrushes, tablets, gaming devices, headsets, towels, etc.
    • If you must leave your room, wear a medical mask if you have one, otherwise wear a face covering
    • Keep a physical distance of two metres (six feet) from other household members
    • Rooms in the home should be well ventilated, such as keeping windows open, if possible and if weather permits and can be tolerated
  • No visitors
  • You may go outside in your own backyard or balcony. Make sure to clean doorknobs after each use.
  • Don't use public transportation, rideshare companies or taxis
  • Cancel non-urgent appointments
  • If you must go out for a medical appointment or urgent care, you must contact the COVID-19 Info-Line at 905-688-8248 press 7, then press 2 and a public health professional will give you detailed instructions to follow to protect you, your family and members of the public
  • Make alternate arrangements to support children and other dependents, if possible
  • Ask a friend or family member to help you get a supply of groceries and other necessities. Don't go out and get them yourself.

If you become symptomatic while self-isolating, you should follow the guidance for symptomatic children or adults. This may lengthen your self-isolation period. If you're self-isolating due to travel outside of Canada or close contact with a COVID-19 case, you're required to complete a minimum of 14 days in self-isolation, regardless of test results or changes in symptoms.

If your symptoms get worse, immediately contact your health care provider, the Niagara Region Public Health COVID-19 Info-Line at 905-688-8248, or call 911.

The duration of your self-isolation will be for a minimum of 10 days. For some, self-isolation will last much longer. This is based on your personal health situation and rapidly evolving guidance from the Ministry of Health. Guidance will be provided by your health care provider or by a public health professional monitoring your case.

It's normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or anxious during times of crisis. Try to focus on what you can control, and allow your emotions to come and go like a wave. Use these tips to help cope with self-isolation.

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