Information for those who test positive for COVID-19 and for close contacts of COVID-19

Ministry of Health Guidance (via Flowcharts)

The following Ministry of Health resources provide guidance on what to do if you've been exposed. Please refer to these documents prior to reaching out to TBDHU for direction:

You have symptoms and are concerned you may have COVID-19. Now what? (Updated January 13, 2022)

You’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 on PCR, rapid molecular, or rapid antigen test. Now what?  (Updated January 13, 2022)

You’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 on PCR, rapid molecular, or rapid antigen test and you work in a highest risk setting. Now what?  (Updated January 13, 2022)

Français:

Vous présentez des symptômes et craignez d’être atteint de la COVID-19. Que devez-vous faire maintenant?

Vous avez été exposé à une personne qui a obtenu un résultat positif à un test de dépistage de la COVID-19 (test PCR ou test antigénique rapide). Que devez-vous faire maintenant?

Vous avez été exposé à une personne qui a obtenu un résultat positif à un test de dépistage de la COVID-19 (test PCR ou test moléculaire ou antigénique rapide) et vous travaillez dans l’un des milieux à risque élevé.* Que faire maintenant?

Adjusted Case and Contact Management

TBDHU has adjusted its approach to case and contact management in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the highly transmissible Omicron variant. These changes align with provincial direction as Ontario responds to surging case numbers.

TBDHU will focus on protecting the most vulnerable by conducting case and contact management in higher-risk settings, including hospitals and health care settings, long-term care and retirement homes and congregate living settings. TBDHU will continue to work with partners on case and contact management in First Nation communities.

Individual cases not connected to an exposure in a higher-risk setting will be contacted by the Provincial Workforce (PWF). The PWF are professionals who are trained in case and contact management and will provide guidance to individuals with COVID-19 on testing, isolation, and how to identify and inform their own contacts and household members.

Additional things to know with changes to case and contact management:

• Due to the high number of cases in Ontario and locally, there can be a delay between the time someone gets their positive results and when they will speak to a case manager from TBDHU or PWF.  Please isolate and follow the guidance below in the meantime.
• There will no longer be guidance provided directly to close contacts by TBDHU or the PWF, except if they are associated with a higher risk setting.
• There will be no updates to workplaces when there is an active case unless it is a higher risk setting.

Special note about households:

Household members are the highest risk contacts for someone with COVID-19. It is not uncommon for the household members of someone with COVID-19 to become infected too. The updated provincial guidance to manage the Omicron surge has enhanced expectations on household members to isolate to reduce further transmission regardless of their vaccination status. This is important to do; however, it is recognized that this will cause additional burden on individuals and families.

Helpful Resources

• Coping with Isolation During COVID-19 (PDF)
• Coping with Isolation During COVID-19 - Post-Secondary Students (PDF)
• Coping with Isolation During COVID-19 - Families & Children (PDF)