d Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Niagara Region, Ontario
COVID-19 - As Ontario reopens, learn about public health and workplace safety measures. Learn about the COVID-19 vaccination and service disruptions.

Self-Isolation

Self-isolate if you have 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

Review instructions for positive COVID-19 cases and high-risk close contacts.

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
  • Co-isolation is discouraged because the COVID-19 infection can spread in the home. Learn about the differences between self-isolating and co-isolating.
  • 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, drive by yourself. If you need someone to drive you, sit in the back seat, wear a mask and roll down your window. Your driver should wear a mask as well.
  • 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

Review how to monitor your health and arrange for testing under instructions for high-risk close contacts.

How long do I self-isolate?

Self-isolation recommendations are different for people who have COVID-19 and people they have been in contact with (high-risk contacts). Review instructions for positive COVID-19 cases and high-risk close contacts.

Coping with self-isolation

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.

Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice

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.

Ventilation guidance

Rooms in the home should be well ventilated, such as keeping windows open, if possible, and if weather permits and can be tolerated

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'.

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