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COVID-19 Information

  COVID-19 / COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 Information

 

What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness in humans ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of virus that has not been previously identified in humans. In some cases, illness caused by novel coronavirus can be mild. In more severe cases, the novel coronavirus can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, severe influenza-like illness, kidney failure and even death.

Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to more severe. Some symptoms are similar to the flu and other common respiratory infections.

  • fever
  • new onset of cough
  • chills
  • unexplained fatigue
  • headache
  • sore throat
  • runny nose
  • stuffy or congested nose
  • lost sense of taste or smell
  • difficulty breathing
  • difficulty swallowing
  • pink eye
  • digestive issues (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain), or
  • for young children and infants: sluggishness or lack of appetite

 

Older adults may also experience symptoms like:

  • Chills
  • Delirium
  • Falls
  • Acute Functional Decline
  • Increased Heart Rate
  • Decreased Blood Pressure

 

In more severe cases, complications from COVID-19 can include pneumonia, kidney failure, or in some cases, death.

The risk of developing severe disease from COVID-19 may be higher if you have a weakened immune system. This may be the case for:

  • older people;
  • anyone with chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or chronic lung disease.

How is COVID-19 spread?

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact, for example, in a household, workplace or health care centre.

COVID-19 spreads from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets and aerosols (smaller droplets) created when an infected person: talks, sings, shouts, coughs, or sneezes.

COVID-19 can also spread by touching something that has the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands. You can transmit COVID-19 before you start showing symptoms or without ever developing symptoms.

 

If you think you have COVID-19 or have been exposed

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or think you have been exposed to COVID-19, use the self-assessment tool for a recommendation on what to do next.

 

If you still have questions about isolation or testing you can call:

  • Provincial Testing & Isolation Information Line 1-888-777-0730

 

If you have questions about your symptoms, you can call:

  • Your healthcare provider
  • Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000

 

**If you are very ill, having difficulty breathing or need medical help right away, go to the nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1.** Do not call 911, unless it is an emergency.

 

COVID-19 self assessment  | Government of Ontario

What to do if you have been exposed to COVID-19 | Government of Ontario

 

COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centres

COVID-19 Clinical Assessments and Testing | Government of Ontario

Rapid Testing for At-Home Use | Government of Ontario

 

Local Assessment Centre info

 

 

  • Grey Bruce Health Services – Owen Sound Hospital
    Location: 1100 16th Avenue East, Unit C, Owen Sound, N4K 0G4 (the Sun Life building north of the Owen Sound Hospital
    Book a COVID-19 Test – GBHS Owen Sound

 

COVID-19 Antivirals and Treatment

Antiviral treatments are now available for free by prescription to individuals with COVID-19 who are at a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization. These treatments are taken by mouth and must be taken within the first 5 to 7 days of your symptoms starting.  Follow the links below to learn more about COVID-19 antiviral treatment.

COVID-19 Treatments | Government of Ontario

COVID-19 Antiviral Treatment Screener| Government of Ontario

 

Vaccine Information

COVID-19 Vaccine | Grey Bruce Health Unit

 

Management, Prevention and Public Health Measures

COVID-19 Stop the Spread | Government of Ontario

COVID-19 Public Health Measures | Government of Ontario

COVID-19 Face Coverings and Face Masks | Government of Ontario

COVID-19 Prevention and Management | Public Health Ontario

Endemic Infographic

 

COVID-19 Guidance for Health and other Congregate Sectors

COVID-19 Guidance for the Health Sector | Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long-Term Care

COVID-19 Guidance for Other Sectors | Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long -Term Care

Outbreak Management | Grey Bruce Health Unit

 

Businesses

COIVD-19 Help for Businesses | Government of Ontario

 

Travel

COVID-19: Travel, Testing and Borders | Government of Canada

If you require a COVID-19 test for travel you must pay for a test.  These tests are not available through Grey Bruce Assessment Centres. 

Grey Bruce Assessment Centres do not provide travel-related testing

Grey Bruce Public Health does not provide results of private COVID-19 tests or provide information for travel certificates.

Grey Bruce Health Unit does not have a role in actions associated with Testing and Quarantine requirements for Travel.  This falls under the Federal Jurisdiction.

 

For more information

Call Grey Bruce Health Unit 519-376-9420 or email us at publichealth@publicehealthgreybruce.on.ca

Public Health Ontario

Government of Ontario

Public Health Agency of Canada

 

Last updated: August 29, 2022

 

 

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