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COVID-19 case and contact management

COVID-19 Case and Contact Information Hub

HomeCOVID 19
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Please select one of the options below to get COVID-19 isolation and testing information that is relevant to you.

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I need COVID-19 vaccine information
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COVID-19 in the workplace
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I have symptoms or a positive test result
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Schools and child care centres
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What are the COVID-19 symptoms
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I am a contact of a COVID-19 case

I have COVID-19 symptoms and/or a positive test result. What should I do now?

Individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms OR who have tested positive for COVID-19 on PCR, rapid molecular or rapid antigen should self-isolate immediately and stay at home until fever is resolved and symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms). Longer self-isolation is recommended in certain populations. Individuals who are asymptomatic and tested positive are not required to isolate. See table below for more information.

Isolation period for test-positive cases and individuals with COVID-19 symptoms
PopulationIsolation periodAdditional precautions after self-isolation period
Individuals who are immunocompromised At least 10 days after the date of specimen collection or symptom onset (whichever is earlier/applicable) and until symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and no fever present

No additional precautions

Individuals who are

  • Hospitalized for COVID-19 related illness
  • Living in a highest-risk setting

These individuals follow different isolation requirements.

Contact the setting for the most up-to date guidance.

 

All other individuals not listed above who have COVID-19 symptoms OR a positive COVID-19 test (PCR, rapid molecular, or rapid antigen) 

Until symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and no fever present.

Asymptomatic individuals with a positive test result do not need to self-isolate unless symptoms develop. If symptoms develop, they should self-isolate immediately.

For a total of 10 days after date of specimen collection or symptom onset, individuals should:

  • Continue to wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings (including schools and child care, unless under two-years old) and avoid non-essential activities where mask removal is necessary (e.g., dining out, playing a wind instrument, high contact sports where masks cannot be safely worn).
  • Not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (e.g., seniors).
  • Avoid non-essential visits to highest-risk setting such as hospitals and long-term care homes.
  • Where visits cannot be avoided, cases should wear a medical mask, maintain physical distancing, and notify the highest-risk setting of their recent illness/positive test. If the individual being visited can also wear a mask, it is recommended they do so.
What should I tell my close contacts including household members?

If you have symptoms and/or tested positive for COVID-19, you should inform your close contacts of their potential exposure.

  • This includes those who had contact with you within the 48 hours prior to your symptom onset or specimen collection (whichever is earlier) and until you started self-isolating AND;
  • Were in close proximity (less than 2 meters) for at least 15 minutes or for multiple short periods of time without appropriate measures such as masking, distancing and/or use of personal protective equipment.

Close contacts including household members of individuals who are symptomatic and/or tested positive should refer to Public Health Ontario’s (PHO) fact sheet Self-Isolation: Guide for caregivers, family members and close contacts. All close contacts including household members should also visit Ontario.ca/exposed for information about self-isolation and self-monitoring requirements.

*Highest-risk settings include:

  • Acute care settings such as hospitals, including complex continuing care facilities
  • Congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals, including but not limited to long-term care homes, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, correctional institutions, and hospital schools
  • Employer-provided living settings of International Agricultural Workers

What if I have symptoms and/or tested positive for COVID-19 and I work in a "highest risk setting"?

If you are symptomatic and/or tested positive and you work in a highest risk setting you should speak with your employer and follow their workplace guidance for return to work. 

For routine operations, you may return to work in highest-risk setting if symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and no fever present. Asymptomatic individuals do not need to self-isolate unless symptoms develop. If symptoms develop, they should self isolate immediately.

In general, return to work in highest-risk settings after self-isolating as above, may occur while following measures to reduce the risk of transmission for 10 days after symptom onset/positive test date, including:

  • Avoiding caring for patients/residents at highest risk of severe COVID-19 infection, where possible.
  • Ensuring well-fitting source control masking (e.g., a well-fitting medical mask or fit or non-fit tested N95 respirator or KN95.
  • Reviewing PPE and IPAC practices, where possible.
  • Taking unmasked breaks in a separate break room, or with physical distancing, to avoid exposing co-workers.
  • Working on a single ward or area of the setting as much as possible.
  • Working in a single facility, as much as possible.

See highest-risk settings.

What are the COVID-19 symptoms?

If you have the symptoms listed below, it is highly likely that you have a COVID-19 infection. If you are not eligible for PCR/Rapid molecular testing you are presumed to have COVID-19 infection and are advised to self-isolate as soon as possible after symptom onset. For more information on testing eligibility visit our COVID-19 Testing page.

See isolation period for test-positive cases and individuals with COVID-19 symptoms.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms* of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever and/or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Decrease or loss of taste or smell
  • Extreme fatigue 
  • Muscle aches or joint pain
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea)
  • Sore throat (painful swallowing or difficulty swallowing)
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Decreased or lack of appetite

*Symptoms should not be related to any other known causes or conditions.

Individuals with any of the above symptoms are recommended to self-isolate and stay at home until fever is resolved and their symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms). Longer self-isolation is recommended in certain populations; see “I have COVID-19 symptoms and/or received a positive COVID-19 test result” for more information. 

Should I get tested if I am symptomatic?

Most individuals do not need a COVID-19 test. If you are eligible for testing, get a PCR, rapid molecular test or rapid antigen test (if you have access). If testing is not available, you must fulfill the self-isolation period for symptomatic individuals. For more information about testing visit our testing page. 

Is there treatment for COVID-19?

Several types of treatment have been developed for COVID-19. Some of these medications reduce or stop the virus from multiplying in human cells. Other medications treat the symptoms of COVID-19. Medication can be prescribed by a health care provider after an assessment to determine that an individual meets the criteria for the specific treatment.

What should I do if my symptoms worsen?

If your symptoms worsen, seek advice from Health811 at 1-866-797-0000 or TTY:1-866-797-0007 or your health care provider.

What should I do if my rapid antigen test (RAT) is negative?

A single negative rapid antigen test in an individual with COVID-19 symptoms does not rule out a COVID-19 infection. If two consecutive rapid antigen tests, separated by at least 24-48 hours, are both negative, you are less likely to have a COVID-19 infection. You should self-isolate until you have no fever and symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms).

What should I do if my rapid antigen test (RAT) is positive?

Refer to "I have COVID-19 symptoms and/or a positive test results".

I am a contact of a COVID-19 case

A close contact is defined as an individual who has a high-risk exposure to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 (PCR, rapid molecular or rapid antigen) or to an individual with COVID-19 symptoms.

All close contacts should visit Ontario.ca/exposed for information about self-isolation and self-monitoring requirements.

COVID-19 in the workplace

This guidance does not apply to employees in the highest risk settings.

What if an employee has notified me that they have symptoms and/or tested positive for COVID-19?

If an employee has phoned in sick with symptoms and/or tested positive for COVID-19, advise the employee that they should follow isolation requirements outlined in “I have COVID-19 symptoms and/or received a positive COVID-19 test result”. 

Advise the employee to inform their close contacts including the employee’s co-workers, that they should visit Ontario.ca/exposed for information about self-isolation and self-monitoring requirements.

Workplace health and safety resources
  • Get information to help develop a plan to protect workers, customers, and the public from COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Guidance and Advice for Businesses and Organizations
  • Ontario.ca/exposed

Schools and child care centres

If my child is sick, when can they return to school/child care?

If your child has symptoms of COVID-19, refer to the section “I have COVID-19 symptoms and/or received a positive COVID-19 test result”.

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