Coronavirus FAQs

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory infection first identified in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. 

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

COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild - like the flu and other common respiratory infections - to severe. The most common symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

If you have any symptoms, you can use the self-assessment tool to help determine if you need to seek care or testing. 

You do not need a referral from a primary care provider or Public Health to access testing. All the assessment centres take self-referrals.

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

They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:

• respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
• close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

For most people, COVID-19 causes only mild illness.

Older people and those with a weakened immune system or underlying medical condition(s) are at a higher risk of developing severe disease.

Practice physical distancing (also known as social distancing). Stay at home. Avoid non-essential trips and keep a distance of 2 metres between yourself and others when you are out.

You can prevent the spread of germs and viruses, like COVID-19, if you:

• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Avoid large gatherings. Postpone or cancel large gatherings. This includes sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious or social gatherings, festivals, markets or other similar events. 

Returning travellers

The Government of Canada has put in place an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that applies to all travellers arriving in Canada in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. All travellers returning from destinations outside of Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Stay at home and avoid close contact with others, including others at home for 14 days. For certain groups, such as health care workers, exemptions may apply.

If you develop symptoms you must self-isolate at home for 14 days from the day you developed symptoms. You can stop isolating at home after 14 days if you do not have a fever and your symptoms are improving.

Symptoms but have not travelled

If you have any symptoms, you can use the self-assessment tool to help determine if you need to seek care or testing. 

You do not need a referral from a primary care provider or Public Health to access testing. All the assessment centres take self-referrals.

Consider the use of non-medical masks (such as cloth masks or face coverings), even if you have no symptoms. Non-medical masks may be used if you are unable to maintain physical distancing from others (e.g. at the grocery store or pharmacy). Non-medical masks can be an additional tool to help prevent the spread of the virus, because wearing a mask can help you contain your own droplets.

Wearing a non-medical mask is not a replacement for other measures. While wearing a non-medical mask remember to:

• Make sure the mask is securely fastened and avoid touching your face 
• Continue to wash your hands often with warm water and soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Wash hands before putting mask on and after taking the mask off
• Continue to practice physical distancing whenever possible

Medical masks, including surgical, medical procedure face masks and respirators (like N95 masks), must be kept for health care workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients. 

Other household members can self-monitor if someone in your home is self-isolating but they:

• Use a separate bedroom
• Use a separate bathroom
  • If a separate bathroom is not an option, clean all surfaces with a disinfectant after use 
• Have food brought to them
• Keep 2 metres distance between other household members

If self-isolation from others household members cannot be maintained, all household members will need to self-isolate. 

If you have been in contact with someone who is sick or who has tested positive for coronavirus, you need to self-monitor for symptoms.

If you have any symptoms, you can use the self-assessment tool to help determine if you need to seek care or testing. 

You do not need a referral from a primary care provider or Public Health to access testing. All the assessment centres take self-referrals.

Visit COVID-19 assessment and testing centres in Waterloo Region page for more information about testing.

If you have any symptoms, you can use the self-assessment tool to help determine if you need to seek care or testing. 

You do not need a referral from a primary care provider or Public Health to access testing. All the assessment centres take self-referrals.

If you have any symptoms, you can use the self-assessment tool to help determine if you need to seek care or testing. 

You do not need a referral from a primary care provider or Public Health to access testing. All the assessment centres take self-referrals.

While COVID-19 can make anyone sick, some Canadians with specific health circumstances are at an increased risk of more severe outcomes, including individuals:

• aged 65 and over
• with compromised immune systems
• with underlying medical conditions

The current recommendation is that individuals over 65 years of age, those with underlying medical conditions and people who are immunocompromised should stay home. More information on how older adults and people with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems can protect themselves from COVID-19 is available from Public Health Ontario. 

A list of COVID-19 Community supports is available on our website

I have tested negative, how can I get a letter from Public Health so I can return to work?

Your results, viewed online through the Ministry of Health, may be used with your consent if requested by your employer. Region of Waterloo Public Health is not providing letters for negative test results. 

When can I return to work after self-isolation?

Employees can return to work once they have been in self-isolation for 14 days and have been symptom free for at least 24 hours.

Visit coronavirus resources for workplaces for more information.

If you are a health worker, visit coronavirus resources for health professionals for specific guidelines and resources. 

Will someone contact me if I had contact with someone who tested positive for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The public health unit that is managing the case will follow up with anyone who is determined to be a high risk close contact of a positive case (prolonged exposure for 15 minutes or more without physical distancing or PPE).

Public health measures can be implemented in the workplaces to prevent the spread of the virus causing COVID-19. Please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website for workplace strategies on COVID-19 mitigation.

The public health unit that is managing the case will follow up with anyone who is determined to be a high risk close contact of a positive case (prolonged exposure for 15 minutes or more without physical distancing or PPE).

Effective Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m. the Government of Ontario has ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces. 

Visit the Government of Ontario's website to read the complete list of essential workplaces and for more emergency information. 

Effective Wednesday, March 25 the Region of Waterloo, and all seven area municipalities, declared States of Emergency in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

For a list of closures visit Regional closures and service changes.

No, if you are in self-isolation do not go outside for a walk, run, bike ride etc. You can go outside into your own backyard or property but ensure you stay away from public and shared spaces. If you live in an apartment or condo building, avoid communal areas such as hallways, elevators, stairwells and laundry rooms. Only leave your place of isolation to seek medical attention.

If you are self-isolating and need to get groceries or other essential items, you can ask a friend, neighbour or family member to buy your items and drop them off on your doorstep. Many grocery stores are also now offering delivery services. If you have a need for emergency food, please contact the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

Who do I contact to report a non-essential business or gathering of more than 5 people?

Visit our who to contact page to find out who to contact depending on your concern. 

Where can I find the guidelines for community gardens?

Visit our Community Gardens page for the COVID-19 guidelines for community gardens.

Can I get COVID-19 from food?

There is currently no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is spread through food. Previous outbreaks of other coronaviruses did not show that the virus could be spread through food.  

There is limited evidence on how long the virus can stay on food.  The virus survives longest on non-porous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic.

How should you clean produce after bringing it home from the store or market?

Clean fruits and vegetables by scrubbing them under running water.  This should be done even if you are going to peel the fruit first to avoid contaminating the produce when you cut them. Do not use soap or other disinfectants. 

It is possible that the outside of a food container has been exposed to the COVID-19 virus during transportation and storage at the store. If you are concerned, it is suggested that you wipe the outside of food containers as you unpack them when you arrive home, and wash your hands.

No. Household disinfectants (e.g. Lysol wipes, bleach solutions) are used to disinfect surfaces and are not good to use on foods. The chemicals in the wipes should not be ingested.

Is Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) the same as the SARS virus?

Although both viruses are from the same family of virus, Novel Coronavirus is not the same coronavirus that caused SARS in 2003. There were no reported cases of SARS in Waterloo Region in 2003.

Is there a risk associated with receiving packages from outside Canada?

Coronaviruses generally do not survive on surfaces after being contaminated. The risk of spread from products shipped over a period of days or weeks at room temperature is very low.

There is no known risk of coronaviruses entering Canada on parcels or packages.

For reliable, up-to-date information you may consult the Public Health Agency of Canada of the Ministry of Health. You may also check this webpage or follow us on social media at @ROWPublicHealth for information for Waterloo Region.