What is Self-Isolation?
Self-isolation is when you have been instructed to separate yourself from others, with the purpose of preventing the spread of the virus, including from those within your home.
What symptoms should I be worried about?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild to severe and are similar to a cold or flu. A full list of symptoms can be found on the Stay Home When Sick page. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19.
What does self-isolation mean for me?
The self-isolation instructions vary for each person’s situation. Click on the title below that best describes your current situation. If your situation changes, follow the instructions for that new situation.
Returning from Outside Canada – You must self-isolate for 14 days whether or not you have symptoms of COVID-19 due to Canada’s Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act. This is mandatory.
- Follow the directions on the factsheet you would have been given on your arrival back in Canada.
Specific Instructions
Go directly home or to the place where you will self-isolate; do not stop anywhere. Follow the directions provided on this handout from the Government of Canada.
Some highlights:
- You can go on your own property only (balcony or deck, walk in your yard) but you must keep a 2 metres (6 feet) distance from others.
- You must separate yourself from others, including to those in your home, with the purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19. See directions in the handout above.
- Always follow proper hand washing practices, cough etiquette and environmental cleaning. For more details on these, visit the Stop the Spread page.
Close Contacts
All of your close contacts (e.g. household members) with no travel history must self-monitor for symptoms.
To find out more about who could be identified as a close contact, visit the FAQ page.
Symptoms
If symptoms develop for you or any of your close contacts, even if mild, everyone in the household must self-isolate immediately and call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 and follow the instructions provided.
If your symptoms are worsening to a point where you cannot manage at home, go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. Let the ER or 911 know your situation and why you are calling.
When to Come Out of Self-Isolation
If you weren't tested:
- You can end your self-isolation when you have reached 14 days after your return to Canada OR 14 days after your symptoms started, whichever is longer IF your symptoms are improving.
- NOTE: If you are a health care worker, you have different criteria for coming out of self-isolation so you must follow the directions provided by your employer (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety).
If you were tested and got your results within 14 days of your return from travel:
- You can check your results online using Ontario’s COVID-19 Test Results Viewer.
- If the result is positive you will be contacted by TBDHU.
- If the result is negative, continue to self-isolate for the remainder of the 14 days. After the 14 days you can come out of self-isolation if your symptoms are improving.
- If your symptoms are not improving, follow up with your health care provider. If your symptoms, worsen call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 or follow up with your health care provider.
- NOTE: If you are a health care worker, you have different criteria for coming out of self-isolation so you must follow the directions provided by your employer (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety).
If you were tested but still haven't received a result and it has been more than 14 days since your return from travel:
- You can check your results online using Ontario's COVID-19 Test Results Viewer.
- Continue to self-isolate until you receive the result.
- If the result is positive you will be contacted by TBDHU.
- If the result is negative you can come out of self-isolation at this point if your symptoms are improving.
- If your symptoms are not improving, follow up with your health care provider. If your symptoms worsen, call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 or follow up with your health care provider.
- NOTE: If you are a health care worker, you have different criteria for coming out of self-isolation so you must follow the directions provided by your employer (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety).
After Self-Isolation is Over
Continue to self-monitor for symptoms as well as practice physical distancing and other infection prevention and control measures.
If you develop symptoms, go back into self-isolation and call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 for further instructions.
Returning from Outside Canada –You must self-isolate for 14 days whether or not you have symptoms of COVID-19 due to Canada’s Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act. This is mandatory.
- Follow the directions on the factsheet you would have been given on your arrival back in Canada.
Specific Instructions
Go directly home or to the place where you will self-isolate; do not stop anywhere. Call the TBDHU as soon as you arrive at your home at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 and inform them of your situation.
Follow the directions provided on this handout from the Government of Canada.
Some highlights:
- Stay inside your home unless it’s for medical care. If you do go to a medical appointment, wear a mask and stay at least 2 metres (6 feet) from others.
- You cannot go outdoors even your own backyard or property.
- You cannot go into the community for a walk or to visit a store.
- You must separate yourself from others, including to those in your home, with the purpose of preventing the spread of the virus. See directions in the handout above.
- Always follow proper hand washing practices, cough etiquette and environmental cleaning. For more details on these, visit the Stop the Spread page.
Close Contacts
All of your close contacts (e.g. household members) with no travel history should be self-isolating for 14 days even if they have no symptoms. The start date for their 14 day self-isolation is the date you returned to the home.
To find out more about who could be identified as a close contact, visit the FAQ page.
Symptoms
If your symptoms get worse OR if your close contacts develop symptoms, immediately contact your health care provider or TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 and follow their instructions.
If your symptoms are worsening to a point where you cannot manage at home, go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. Let the ER or 911 know your situation and why you are calling.
When to Come Out of Self-Isolation
If you weren't tested:
- You can end your self-isolation when you have reached 14 days after your return to Canada OR 14 days after your symptoms started, whichever is longer IF your symptoms are improving.
- NOTE: If you are a health care worker, you have different criteria for coming out of self-isolation so you must follow the directions provided by your employer (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety).
If you were tested and got your results within 14 days of your return from travel:
- You can check your results online using Ontario’s COVID-19 Test Results Viewer.
- If the result is positive you will be contacted by TBDHU.
- If the result is negative, continue to self-isolate for the remainder of the 14 days from travel. After the 14 days you can come out of self-isolation if your symptoms are improving.
- If your symptoms are not improving, follow up with your health care provider. If your symptoms worsen, call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 or follow up with your health care provider.
- NOTE: If you are a health care worker, you have different criteria for coming out of self-isolation so you must follow the directions provided by your employer (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety).
If you were tested but still haven't received a result and it has been more than 14 days since your return from travel:
- You can check your results online using Ontario’s COVID-19 Test Results Viewer.
- Continue to self-isolate until you receive the result.
- If the result is positive you will be contacted by TBDHU.
- If the result is negative you can come out of self-isolation at this point if your symptoms are improving.
- If your symptoms are not improving, follow up with your health care provider. If your symptoms worsen, call TBDHU or follow up with your health care provider.
- NOTE: If you are a health care worker, you have different criteria for coming out of self-isolation so you must follow the directions provided by your employer (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety).
After Self-Isolation is Over
Continue to self-monitor for symptoms as well as practice physical distancing and other infection prevention and control measures.
If you develop symptoms, go back into self-isolation and call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 for further instructions.
Call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 and follow the directions provided.
Close Contacts
All of your close contacts (e.g. household members) should be self-isolating even if they have no symptoms. These close contacts must self-isolate for 14 days – the start date for these 14 days is the day your symptoms started.
To find out more about who could be identified as a close contact, visit the FAQ page.
Specific Instructions
Follow the directions listed on this factsheet from the Government of Canada (note that this factsheet is the same one given to those who are diagnosed with COVID-19).
Some highlights:
- Stay inside your home.
- You cannot go in your own backyard or property (outdoors).
- You cannot leave your home unless it’s to seek medical care.
- Always follow proper hand washing practices, cough etiquette and environmental cleaning. For more details on these, visit the Stop the Spread page.
Symptoms
If your symptoms get worse OR if your close contacts develop symptoms, immediately contact your health care provider or TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 and follow their instructions.
If your symptoms are worsening to a point where you cannot manage at home, go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. Let the ER or 911 know your situation and why you are calling.
When to Come Out of Self-Isolation
If you were tested and got your results during your 14 days of self-isolation:
- You can check your results online using Ontario’s COVID-19 Test Results Viewer.
- If the result is positive you will be contacted by TBDHU.
- If the result is negative, you can come out of isolation 24 hours after your symptoms resolve.
- If your symptoms are still present 14 days after they started and have not worsened, you can come out of isolation, but you need to follow up with your health care provider.
- If your symptoms are not improving, follow up with your health care provider. If your symptoms worsen, call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 or follow up with your health care provider.
If you were tested but still haven't received a result and your 14 days is over:
- You can check your results online using Ontario’s COVID-19 Test Results Viewer.
- You can come out of self-isolation 14 days after onset of symptoms, as long as your symptoms are improving.
- If the result is positive you will be contacted by TBDHU.
- If your symptoms are not improving, follow up with your health care provider. If your symptoms worsen, call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 or follow up with your health care provider.
If you have symptoms but did not get tested:
- You can come out of your self-isolation 14 days after your symptoms started as long as your symptoms are improving.
- If your symptoms are not improving, follow up with your health care provider. If your symptoms worsen, call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 or follow up with your health care provider.
After Self-Isolation is Over
After you come out of self-isolation, continue to self-monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop or return, contact TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 and they will consider the need for retesting and provide you with further instructions.
Self-isolation is voluntary for these groups; however, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is strongly recommending that you should stay at home due to greater risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 if you:
- are over 70 years of age
- have a chronic (long-lasting) health condition (eg. diabetes, asthma, heart conditions)
- have a condition (eg. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) or are getting treatment (eg. chemotherapy, corticosteroids) that compromises or affects the immune system
- are regularly going to a hospital or health care setting for treatment (eg. dialysis, surgery)
Public Health Ontario has a factsheet on How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19 for older adults and people with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
Specific Instructions
Follow the general infection prevention and control practices, including hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, keeping your environment clean, keeping 2 metres from others, practice physical distancing, wear a mask (especially in indoor public settings and public transportation).
Depending on your personal situation, you may be considering joining a social circle to increase your social connections and to provide or receive assistance in care. Keep your distance from anyone outside your social circle, and self-isolate right away if anyone in your social circle develops symptoms or is concerned they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
Symptoms
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild, call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 and following their instructions.
If your symptoms are worsening to a point where you cannot manage at home, go to your nearest emergency department and/or call 911. Let the ER or 911 know your situation and why you are calling.
When to Come Out of Self-Isolation
Individuals who are over 70 years old, have a compromised immune system, have an underlying health condition or regularly go to a hospital or health care setting for treatment are strongly recommended to stay home until public health authorities say it is safe to stop self-isolating. If you choose to go out, follow all public health measures to keep yourself healthy.
Follow the directions provided by the TBDHU for you and your close contacts.
You will be contacted by the TBDHU and provided specific instructions.
All residents of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit area are asked to follow all public health advice to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Specific Instructions
Monitor your health for symptoms, practice physical distancing and other infection prevention and control measures to protect yourself and others.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, even if mild, self-isolate immediately and call TBDHU at 1 (807) 625-5900 or Toll-Free at 1 (888) 294-6630 for further instructions and to arrange testing.
Follow the instructions provided to you as well as the instructions listed under the heading above that best describes your new situation.
Additional Resources
- What can I do while self-isolating? - June 23 2020 (English PDF)
- What to do While Waiting for Your COVID-19 Test Results - June 15 2020 (English PDF)
- COVID-19 - Self-Isolation for Caregivers, Household Members and Close Contacts - Public Health Ontario (English PDF)
- Auto-isolement : Guide à l’intention des fournisseurs de soins, des membres du ménage et des contacts étroits - COVID-19 - Santé Publique Ontario (French PDF)