Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) support and resources
Barrie Housing is monitoring all available information of the possible impacts of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 on tenants.
The Government of Ontario webpage at www.ontario.ca provides information to Ontarians with updates regularly, has a wealth of information on the current situation, on how to protect yourself, what to do if you're sick after you travel and how to recognize possible symptoms.
The Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit can be reached at 705-721-7520 or http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/ for information pertaining to our community.
Key facts about COVID-19
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that circulate in animals, including humans, and may cause illness in them. Human coronaviruses are common and can range from mild illnesses, such as the common cold, to severe illnesses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS CoV)
COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, muscle aches and tiredness, and difficulty breathing. Less common symptoms such as sore throat, headache and diarrhea have been reported.
How you can prevent infection and the spread of germs
The following measures are recommended to help prevent respiratory illness and its transmission:
•Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15 seconds or use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
•Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
•Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.
•If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
•Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Stay home if you become ill with respiratory symptoms, cough or fever.
Call Telehealth Ontario or your primary care provider’s office if you experience symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, difficulty breathing). Call ahead prior to visiting any healthcare provider, a hospital or local assessment centre and let them know about travel history and symptoms so that they can make arrangements to see you quickly, provide testing, and ensure that they use proper infection control measures.
Before visiting the assessment centre, individuals should seek guidance on whether it is appropriate for them to do so. Ontarians can do so by using a new online selfassessment tool, calling Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or calling the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520, from 8:30 am - 8 pm and weekends 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. People should not go to an assessment centre unless they have symptoms of the COVID-19.
Travel Advisories
All non-essential travel is not advised at this current time.
As directed by the Government of Canada, residents have been advised against all international travel. Travellers who have returned from Hubei Province (China), Iran or Italy need to contact the health unit within 24 hours of arriving in Canada and MUST self-isolate for a total of 14 days.
Travellers who have returned from anywhere else outside Canada, including the United States, should self-isolate for a total of 14 days.
Self-isolation
It is advised that anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 or who are suspected of having COVID-19 should stay home and avoid close contact with others, including those in their home. Staying home means not attending child care, school or work; avoiding public spaces, contact with others and taking public transit; and refraining from having visitors.
If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19 and have decided to self-isolate, you should contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, or your doctor / primary health care provider's office. You should call ahead about your symptoms and travel history before hand if you plan to visit. This will enable them to prepare for your visit and protect their staff and other patients.