23/03/2020
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Prevention and risks, Truths and lies
How coronavirus spreads
Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. 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
Current evidence suggests person-to-person spread is efficient when there is close contact.
Preventing coronavirus
Do you think you might have COVID-19? Use our self-assessment tool to find out what to do.
Canadians should continue to think ahead about the actions that they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Canada, including:
being prepared in case you or a family member become ill
following the latest travel advice from federal and provincial public health leaders:
avoiding all non-essential travel, including cruise ships
self-isolating, and monitoring for symptoms (cough, fever or difficulty breathing) for 14 days if you have travelled outside of Canada
reducing contact with others by following the guidance for self-monitoring, self-isolating, or isolating
practicing social distancing and proper hygiene
wearing masks, if necessary
Self-monitor, self-isolate and isolate
There is a difference between advice to self-monitor, advice to self-isolate and advice to isolate. It is important to note these measures are in place to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
Self-monitor
Self-isolate
Isolate
Social distancing
Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other. Social distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak.
This means making changes in your everyday routines to minimize close contact with others, including:
avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
limiting contact with people at higher risk like older adults and those in poor health
keeping a distance of at least 2 arms-length (approximately 2 metres) from others
Hygiene
Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:
wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
when coughing or sneezing:
cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
clean the following high-touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water):
toys
toilets
phones
electronics
door handles
bedside tables
television remotes
Wearing masks
If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Wearing a mask when you are not ill may give a false sense of security. There is a potential risk of infection with improper mask use and disposal. They also need to be changed frequently.
However, your health care provider may recommend you wear a mask if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 while you are seeking or waiting for care. In this instance, masks are an appropriate part of infection prevention and control measures. The mask acts as a barrier and helps stop the tiny droplets from spreading you when you cough or sneeze.
Risks of getting coronavirus
The risk for COVID-19 may be increased for certain settings such as:
cruise ships
crowded areas (such as public transit and shopping centres)
gatherings (spiritual and cultural settings, theatres, sports arenas, festivals and conferences)
There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians:
aged 65 and over
with compromised immune systems
with underlying medical conditions
People that fall into these categories should reconsider attending gatherings. This includes large gatherings and even smaller events in crowded or enclosed settings.
If you have symptoms (cough, fever or difficulty breathing), do not attend a mass gathering, event or places where people gather. You could put someone whose health is vulnerable at risk.
Travellers
The risk for getting COVID-19 may be increased for travellers. Canadians are advised to avoid all non-essential travel. If you must travel, check the latest travel advice before you leave.
We will continue to adapt our risk assessment based on the latest data available.
Pregnant women
Throughout pregnancy, women experience changes in their bodies that may increase the risk of some illnesses, including viral respiratory infections, such as the flu. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that pregnant women are at a greater risk for more serious outcomes related to COVID-19.
It is always important for pregnant women to protect themselves from illnesses and take the appropriate steps to avoid and prevent infection. Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of getting an infection or spreading infection to others.
If you are pregnant and concerned about COVID-19, speak to your health care provider.
Products shipped from outside of 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.
Food
There is currently no evidence to suggest that food is a likely source or route of transmission of the virus. Scientists and food safety authorities across the world are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19.
If we become aware of a potential food safety risk, appropriate actions will be taken to ensure the safety of Canada's food supply.
Animals in Canada
There is currently no evidence to suggest that this virus is circulating in animals in Canada.
It is possible that some types of animals can be infected with COVID-19 but there is no evidence that pets or other animals can spread the virus. There are still many unknowns about COVID-19 and this is an area that remains to be studied and understood.
Until we know more, if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have a pet or other animal:
avoid close contact with them
do not snuggle or kiss them, or let them lick you, sit on your lap, or sleep in your bed
practice good cough etiquette
avoid coughing and sneezing on your animals
have another member of your household care for your animals
if this is not possible, always wash your hands before touching or feeding them
limit your animal's contact with other people and animals
this may mean keeping them indoors
To date, there have not been any reports of livestock being infected by COVID-19 anywhere. However, livestock producers should follow normal biosecurity measures as always. This includes limiting visitors or workers who may have travelled to, or been in contact with, someone from an affected area. For more information on-farm disease prevention, producers are encouraged to consult the:
National Biosecurity Standards and Biosecurity Principles
National Farm-Level Biosecurity Planning Guide.
These recommendations will be updated as more information becomes available.
Animals in or from other countries
Although the current spread and growth of the COVID-19 outbreak is primarily associated with spread from person to person, experts agree that the virus likely originated from bats and may have passed through an intermediary animal source (currently unknown) in China before being transmitted to humans.
Although travel is not recommended, if you must travel, you should avoid contact with animals, including wild meat and wet (live animal) markets.
All animals entering Canada must meet import requirements set out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. There are currently no specific requirements in place in Canada restricting animal importation related to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is because as there is no evidence that pets or other domestic animals can spread the virus.
However, importers, rescue organizations and adoptive families should limit or postpone importing animals from outside of Canada. If animals must be imported to Canada:
they should be closely monitored for signs of illness
you should contact a veterinarian if they become sick
call ahead to ensure they are aware of the circumstances
False and misleading claims
We have not approved any product to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19. Selling unauthorized health products or making false or misleading claims to prevent, treat or cure COVID-19 is illegal in Canada. We take this matter very seriously and we are taking action to stop this activity.
We have also not approved any disinfectant products with claims specific to COVID-19. However, authorized disinfectant products can make a claim of broad spectrum of activity against viruses if they meet specific evidence standards. We are working with companies and we will publish a list of disinfectant products that can make this claim to help Canadians make effective choices.
We encourages anyone who has information regarding potential non-compliant sale or advertising of any health product claiming to treat, prevent or cure COVID-19, to report it using our online complaint form.
Related links
Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada
Risk-informed decision-making for mass gatherings during COVID-19 global outbreak
Sickness or injury while abroad
Travel health notices
Health and safety in the workplace
EI sickness benefits
