The immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood. Experts expect that the majority of people who recover from COVID-19 will gain immunity to it for at least some amount of time - what is unknown is for how long.
At this time, there is no vaccine for COVID-19 or any natural health products that are authorized to treat or protect against COVID-19. Most people with mild coronavirus will recover on their own.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, contact your health care provider for recommendations. If testing is needed, contact the Assessment Centre nearest you or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
Once a confirmed case is discharged from self-isolation, they are considered a resolved case and are no longer infectious. In order to be resolved, the individual must have completed at least 14 days of self-isolation from symptom onset AND must not have a fever AND their symptoms must be improving.
Please note: Hospitalized patients and health care workers have different criteria for coming out of self-isolation and will follow the directions provided by the hospital or their employer (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety).
There is currently no evidence that pets or other domestic animals play a significant role in the spread of COVID-19.
There have been reports of people with COVID-19 spreading the virus to their pet dog or cat. If you have COVID-19 symptoms or are self-isolating due to close contact with a COVID-19 case, until your illness is resolved you should:
- Avoid close contact with animals.
- Practice good hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
- If possible, have another member of your household care for your animals.
- Restrict your animal’s contact with other people and animals outside the household.
Until we know more, it is recommended that if you are sick, avoid contact with pets and other animals, just like you would other people. Find out more from Public Health Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
People walking outdoors with their pets should be at minimal risk of contracting the virus provided they maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from others.
No, there has been no demonstrated case of any coronavirus, including COVID-19, being transmitted by a mosquito or fly. The virus that cause COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. You can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.
Hosting a garage or yard sale is not prohibited, however, should you have one, you would be responsible for adhering to all Emergency Orders as well as following appropriate infection prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
- Do not exceed the current private gathering limits.
- Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet) is maintained.
- Perform frequent hand washing/sanitizing. Consider providing a hand sanitizing station for those in attendance.
- Wear a mask.
Buying and selling of second-hand items privately is allowed at the buyer/seller's own risk. In order to remain compliant with Emergency Orders and to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, certain precautions should be taken. When buying/selling items privately:
- Ensure items are cleaned and disinfected properly.
- Use contactless payment through electronic money transfer.
- Offer contactless pick-up or drop-off, such as doorstep or curbside.
Open houses are permitted as long as physical distancing is maintained between everyone in attendance. The number of people allowed to be in attendance is limited to the number that can maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres from every other person in the open house event, to a maximum of 50 people at one time.
Residents who are selling a home are encouraged to find other ways of showing it, such as through virtual tours and photos.
If you must hold an open house or private showing of your home:
- Ensure there are no more than 50 people in the home at one time.
- Provide hand sanitizer to those coming through your house.
- Turn on lights and open doors so that people don’t have to touch them.
- Maintain 2 metres (6 feet) distance between others at all times.
- Disinfect any surfaces that may have been touched after each viewing.