Information and resources on COVID-19 epidemiology and reducing your risks for infection and spreading the virus

July 2020

Canadians can access comprehensive information and resources on COVID-19 on the Government of Canada coronavirus disease website, including updates on the current situation, self-assessment and mental and physical health resources, and guidance on limiting the spread of the virus in community, business and medical professional settings.

Additional information on the epidemiology of COVID-19 for public health professionals is available in the daily COVID-19 in Canada epidemiology update.

As always, I encourage all Canadians to continue with our collective efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 in Canada. Living with COVID-19 means remaining aware of the risks for exposure in your area and making informed decisions based on the advice and recommendations of your local public health authority. Taking appropriate precautions and avoiding high-risk settings and situations will help to keep you and your loved ones safe.

1. Know how to seek testing and care and when to stay home:
   • If you develop symptoms, even if mild, stay home and keep away from others.
   • If you have symptoms or think you have been exposed to the virus, contact your local public health authority to be guided safely to testing and care.
   •  Protect vulnerable family, friends and contacts by finding virtual ways to connect and support those who at higher risk for severe outcomes of COVID-19.
2. Know how to go out more safely (for those with no symptoms and no recent exposure to COVID-19, including no non-essential travel outside of Canada):
   • Practice physical distancing by keeping 2 metres away from others.
   • Wash your hands often with soap and water or carry a Health Canada-approved hand sanitizer with you.
   •  Cover your coughs and sneezes with a clean tissue or your sleeve.
   • Wear a non-medical mask or face covering any time there is closed spaces, crowded places or close contact:
     • Indoors, in public spaces  
     • Outdoors, where you can’t keep a physical distance of 2-metres from others
     • As directed by your local public health/authorities
3. Know how to avoid high-risk settings/situations:
   •  Avoid or strictly limit time spent in the 3 Cs of high risk setting/situations, particularly if public health measures like physical distancing and frequent cleaning/disinfection are not being well maintained.
     • Closed spaces with poor ventilation
     • Crowded places with large numbers of people gathered
     • Close contact where you can’t keep 2-metres physical distance from others
   • For times when you can’t avoid high risk activities/settings/situations, you can reduce your risk by wearing a non-medical mask or face covering, keeping 2-metres distance from others as much as possible, and cleaning your hands often.

By increasing our COVID-19 know-how and avoiding high-risk setting/situations as much as possible, Canadians can keep transmission low and minimize the impact of COVID-19 in Canada – for us, for our families, for everyone.