Preventing the Spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus

KFL&A Public Health is working closely with our local, provincial and federal partners to monitor and respond to the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). New quarantine recommendations have been released for travellers returning from the most affected area(s) to help control the spread of the 2019-nCoV.

KFL&A Public Health is asking all travellers from China’s Hubei Province (including Wuhan) to quarantine themselves for 14 days after their departure from the affected area. Quarantine means isolating someone who may have been exposed to a disease to prevent the spread of infection to others. Returning travellers from Hubei Province to the KFL&A area are asked to stay away from others and to contact KFL&A Public Health within 24 hours of arrival.

In addition, anyone who has visited mainland China (outside of Hubei Province) is not being asked to quarantine themselves at this time. They should monitor themselves daily for symptoms like fever, cough or difficulty breathing for 14 days after their departure from the affected area.

“When you are exposed to an illness, there is a time between the exposure and when you start to feel sick. This is known as the incubation period,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health. “Quarantine is a cautious action used to lower the chance that the coronavirus will be spread to others.”  

If you are a returning traveller from Hubei Province and are under quarantine, follow these steps:

• Call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 within 24 hours of returning from Hubei Province.
• Stay at home. Do not go to work, school or other public places. Do not have visitors to your home.
• Avoid non-essential medical or dental appointments.
• If you become ill with symptoms of respiratory illness such as fever or cough, or new or worsening shortness of breath, call KFL&A Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. If your symptoms are severe and you need to go to hospital by ambulance, call 911 and tell them about your travel history.
• Do not use public transportation or taxis.
• Clean all frequently touched surfaces daily, using a common household disinfectant.

Everyone should take the following actions to help prevent the spread of germs, including novel coronavirus:

• Clean your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

• Cough and sneeze into the bend of your arm, or a tissue and not into your hand.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes with your hands.
• Clean objects and surfaces that a lot of people touch with regular household cleaner.
• Get your influenza vaccine.
• Stay home when you are sick and avoid contact with other people until your symptoms are gone.
• Do not share personal items that come into contact with saliva (e.g., eating utensils or water bottles).

Information is continually evolving, for the most up to date information visit www.Kflaph.ca/Coronavirus or www.Ontario.ca/coronavirus.

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