What can I do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Physical distancing means making changes to your everyday routines to limit close contact with others.

• Keep a distance of at least 2 metres from others (that’s 6 feet, or a hockey stick!)
• Stay home as much as possible
• Avoid non-essential errands
• Avoid gatherings or crowded places
• Limit contact with people at high risk (older adults, people with compromised immune systems)
• Work from home, if possible
• Do not socialize in groups larger than five people unless from the same household (by order of Ontario Government)
• Do not use outdoor amenities where people can gather such as playgrounds, sports fields, public beaches, unleashed dog parks, etc. (by order of the Ontario Government)
• Physical Distancing (Public Health Agency of Canada)

What not to do while physical distancing:

• No dinner parties
• No sleepovers
• No playdates
• No families or groups together at the grocery store
• No having friends over for coffee
• No extended family gatherings

Who should practice physical distancing?

Everyone! We all have a role in doing what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Remember: while you may not feel sick, and while we know these measures are an inconvenience, please be mindful of the members of our community who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others.

Anyone can take the COVID-19 self-assessment online to help determine how to seek further care and next steps. You can also call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

Everyone, from children to adults, should practice social distancing at this time. While this is in effect, it is still just as important as ever to keep physically active for maintaining both physical and mental well-being. There are plenty of physical activities that can be done around the home. Some ideas include:

• Going outside for some fresh air, a walk, a run, or a bike ride is okay - just remember to keep at least 2 metres (6 feet) between yourself and others and don’t gather together in groups.
• Online exercise classes
• Jump rope
• Stair stepping
• Planking
• Lunges
• Cleaning
• Weight lifting

Resources

WHO – Stay Physically Active During Quarantine 

Active for Life – 200 Activities You Can do with Kids at Home 

Finding Balance – Exercises at the Kitchen Sink

Resources for specific concerns:

• Considerations for the Public on Wearing Face Coverings
• Cloth Masks and other Non-Medical Face Coverings in Retail Locations
• Non-medical masks and face coverings: Sew and no-sew instructions
• Caution for Wearing Gloves in Public
• Guidelines for Grocery Shopping
• Considerations for the Public when Receiving Mail or Packages
• Physical Distancing for Anglers
• Guidelines for Laundromats and Other Shared Laundry Facilities
• Delivering Items to a Senior or Immunocompromised person
• Delivering items to someone in self-isolation who is potentially or confirmed infected with COVID-19
• Guidance for Multi-Unit Dwellings during COVID-19
• Considerations for Foot Care
• Considerations for Seasonal Residents and Visitors
• Considerations for Exchange of Second Hand Items
• Bottle Drives During COVID-19
• Recommendations for Individuals Using Outdoor Recreational Amenities
• FAQ for Camping and Using Outdoor Recreational Amenities
• COVID-19 and Communal Dining Recommendations
• COVID-19 Essential vs. Non-Essential Travel
• COVID-19 Singing and Band Practice
• COVID-19 Spread on Items and Surfaces
• If you are an Essential Worker, visit the Workplace Section for employee specific prevention resources