Information for those who have symptoms, test positive for COVID-19 and close contacts
Updated: April 13, 2022
Due to more people testing positive for COVID-19 and the emergence of the Omicron variant, case and contact management practices have changed. BCHU will not contact all positive cases who have received a PCR test as it has done in the past.
Some of the requirements for high-risk contacts have changed and we ask that you review this webpage carefully and follow the instructions. Please be aware that close contacts will not receive a call from BCHU at this time.
If
you have questions regarding provincial testing and access, and/or
would like additional guidance regarding self-isolation or
possible/confirmed COVID-19 exposure, please call the Provincial Testing
and Isolation Information Line at 1-888-777-0730, available Monday to
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
I have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive. Now what?
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You must self-isolate right away to protect those around you. Self-isolation prevents the spread of COVID-19. Self-isolation means staying at home, avoiding contact with other people including those in your household if possible, and only leaving home for critical reasons, like a medical emergency.
- Follow
Public Health Ontario for instructions on how to effectively self- isolate.
- You should be staying in a separate room from your family members and have very limited to no contact with them.
- If needing to come out of your room and access a common living space (i.e., kitchen or bathroom), you must wear a mask and keep 6-feet distance. Additionally, others in your house should regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
Monitor your symptom progression:
- If you develop serious symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath and are not coping well at home, you should seek medical attention.
- If seeking medical attention, wear a mask, maintain physical distancing, and inform the healthcare worker immediately that you have tested positive for COVID-19.
Click here to view the flowchart of what to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19
In all scenarios, symptoms need to be improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and no fever present before ending self-isolation. Please refer to
this flowchart for isolation periods or to the information in the table below.
| Scenario | Isolation Period
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If you are:
- Fully vaccinated (regardless of age)
- Under 12 years of age (regardless of vaccination status)
| 5 days** from the date your symptoms started or the date of your positive test, if available (whichever is earlier)
and if you have symptoms, until your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and you do not have a fever.
If you attend, work or volunteer at a highest risk setting, you must avoid these highest risk settings for 10 days from the day your symptoms started or your test date if you don’t have symptoms.
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If you are:
- 12 years of age or older AND not fully vaccinated
- Immunocompromised (regardless of age or vaccination status)
- Living in a highest risk setting
- Hospitalized for COVID-19 related illness
| 10 days** from the date your symptoms started or the date of your positive test, if available (whichever is earlier)
and if you have symptoms, until your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and you don’t have a fever.
|
If you are:
- Severely ill (requiring ICU level of care)
- Severely immunocompromised (including cancer chemotherapy, untreated HIV infection with CD4 T lymphocyte count <200, combined primary immunodeficiency disorder, taking prednisone >20 mg/day (or equivalent) for more than 14 days and taking other immune suppressive medications).
| 20 days** from the date your symptoms started or the date of your positive test, if available (whichever is earlier)
and if you have symptoms, until your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms) and you don’t have a fever.
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**When calculating your self-isolation period, day 0 of your isolation as either:
- Symptom onset date (For example, if you began symptoms on April 18, April 18 is day 0 and your last day of isolation is midnight April 28);
- Testing date (For example, if you do not have symptoms and were tested on July 15, July 15 is day 0 and your last day of isolation is midnight July 25).
If self-isolation ends after five days, more measures are needed due to continued risk of spreading the infection.
For a total of 10 days from the date of test or when symptoms began (whichever was earlier), individuals must:
-
Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings
- Maintain masking as much as possible in public settings. Reasonable exceptions would include taking off the mask temporarily for essential activities (e.g. eating in shared space at school) where as much distancing is maintained as possible.
- Participation in activities where masking can be maintained may be resumed. Individuals should avoid activities where mask removal is necessary (for example dining out).
- Individuals exempt from masking (e.g. children under two years of age) can return to public settings without masking
Access
Ontario's antiviral screener tool to help determine if you are at higher risk and should be assessed for treatment. A positive rapid antigen test, PCR or rapid molecular test is required as part of the assessment for antiviral treatment.
The following higher-risk groups are eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, in Ontario:
- Individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications);
- Individuals aged 70 and over;
- Individuals aged 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses; and
- Individuals aged 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition (e.g., a chronic medical condition)
Beginning April 12, antiviral medication will be available through participating pharmacies across the province. A list of pharmacies that are dispensing Paxlovid will be available at Ontario.ca/antivirals as of Wednesday, April 13 at 8:00 a.m.
Treatment for antivirals must be started within five days of symptoms in most cases. Individuals who are part of higher risk groups and who have COVID-19 symptoms should immediately seek testing and care, by contacting their health care provider or visiting a clinical assessment centre. Individuals can contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for more information about where to find a clinical assessment centre or to determine if they are at higher risk.
People who are contacts of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 (high-risk/close contacts)
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A high-risk contact is someone who was in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. Close contact is being within 2 meters (6 feet) of a person who tested positive for COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time or having multiple close encounters, even when both people are wearing a mask.
Some examples of high-risk situations include:
- Physical contact such as shaking someone’s hand, hugging kissing, being sneezed or coughed on.
- Living in the same household (this excludes individuals who live in a completely separate unit such as a self-contained basement apartment).
- Providing care to someone (e.g., taking care of an elderly parent).
If you've been exposed to someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive, click here to view the self-isolation chart.
For individuals who work/volunteer/attend a highest risk setting and do not have any symptoms:
Follow guidance for
contacts regarding self-monitoring/self-isolation in the community (i.e., outside of the highest risk setting), unless otherwise directed by the public health unit
Close contacts should not be working in highest risk settings for 10 days after last exposure, unless required for. critical work shortages (their employer will advise about this).
Close contacts who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days (based on positive rapid antigen test or molecular test results) can attend work in the highest-risk setting, as long as they are currently asymptomatic. These individuals are advised to self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days after last exposure.
Please refer to
this flowchart for isolation periods or to the information in the table below.
High-risk contacts who live with the person who has symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19 on a PCR or RAT test
| COVID-19 positive cases/individuals with COVID-19 symptoms should isoalte away from household members where possible to avoid ongoing exposure.
Household members of the COVID-19 positive case/individual with COVID-19 symptoms, should generally self-isolate while the individual with COVID-19 symptoms is isolating, with the following exceptions: - Household members who are 18 years of age and older and have already received their booster dose are not required to self-isolate
- Household members who are under 18 years of age and are considered fully vaccinated are not required to self-isolate
- Household members who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days (based on positive rapid antigen test or PCR test results), are not required to self-isolate and can attend high-risk settings, as long as they currently do not have any symptoms
If self-isolation is complete after 5 days, or if self-isolation is not required, for a total of 10 days after the last exposure to the COVID-19 case, ALL household members must: - Self-monitor for symptoms and self-isolate if they develop any symptom of COVID-19
- Continue to wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings
- Individuals should maintain masking as much as possible in public settings. Reasonable exceptions would include removal for essential activities like eating (e.g., when eating in shared space at school/work and maintaining as much distancing as possible)
- Participation in activities where masking can be maintained throughout may be resumed, but individuals should avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g., dining out)
- Individuals who are exempt from masking (e.g., children under two years of age, etc.) may return to public settings without masking
- Not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (i.e., seniors)
- Not visit or attend work in any highest-risk settings (unless you have previously tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test or PCR test in the past 90 days)toms or test positive after).
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High-risk contacts who do not live with the person who has symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19 on a PCR or RAT test and do not live in a highest risk setting
| Self-monitor for symptoms and self-isolate if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19. Continue to wear a well fitted mask in all public settings; - Individuals should maintain masking as much as possible in public settings. Reasonable exceptions would include removal for essential activities like eating (e.g., when eating in shared space at school/work and maintaining as much distancing as possible)
- Participation in activities where masking can be maintained throughout may be resumed, but individuals should avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g. dining out);
- Individuals who are exempt from masking (e.g., children under two years of age, etc.) may return to public settings without masking
Do not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (i.e., seniors). Do not visit or attend work in any highest-risk settings (unless you have previously tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test or PCR test in the past 90 days). Follow the directions of
this flowchart.
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High-risk contacts who live in a highest risk setting
| You must self-isolate for 10 days* regardless of vaccination status.
If you develop symptoms continue to self-isolate and get tested if you are eligible. If you are not eligible for testing, follow the instructions "Self-isolation period for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 but can’t get tested" above.
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High-risk contacts who work at, volunteer at, or attend a highest risk setting
| Follow guidance for
contacts regarding self-monitoring/self-isolation in the community (i.e., outside of the highest risk setting), unless otherwise directed by the public health unit.
Close contacts should not be working in highest risk settings for 10 days after last exposure, unless required for. critical work shortages (their employer will advise about this).
Close contacts who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days (based on positive rapid antigen test or molecular test results) can attend work in the highest-risk setting, as long as they are currently do not have any symptoms. These individuals are advised to self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days after last exposure.
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In all circumstances we advise avoiding vulnerable persons such as residents of long-term care homes, hospital patients or people with chronic illnesses that may compromise their immune system.
*When calculating your self-isolation period, count from day 0 of your 10 days of isolation from either:
- Symptom onset date (For example, if you began symptoms on April 18, April 18 is day 0 and your last day of isolation is midnight April 28);
- Testing date (For example, if you do not have symptoms and were tested on July 15, July 15 is day 0 and your last day of isolation is midnight July 25).
For a total of 10 days after last interaction with the person with symptoms / positive case, all close contacts must:
-
Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings
- Maintain masking as much as possible in public settings. Reasonable exceptions would include taking off the mask temporarily for essential activities where as much distancing is maintained as possible (e.g. eating in shared space at school).
- Participation in activities where masking can be maintained may be resumed. Individuals should avoid activities where mask removal is necessary (for example, dining out).
- Individuals exempt from masking for example, children under two years of age) can return to public settings without masking
People who live with a high-risk contact
If you live in the same household as someone who is a high-risk contact (has had close contact with a person who has symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19) and who has symptoms
| People who have symptoms and are not eligible for testing are presumed to have COVID-19 and must also self-isolate.
| Only go for testing if you are eligible. See our testing information below for criteria.
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If you live in the same household as someone who is a high-risk contact (has had close contact with a person who has symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19) who does not have symptoms.
| You are not required to self-isolate.
| Only go for testing if you are eligible. See our testing information below for criteria.
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In all circumstances we advise avoiding vulnerable persons such as residents of long-term care homes, hospital patients or people with chronic illnesses that may compromise their immune system.
For a total of 10 days after last interaction with the person with symptoms / positive case, all household members must:
-
Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings
- Maintain masking as much as possible in public settings. Reasonable exceptions would include taking off the mask temporarily for essential activities where as much distancing is maintained as possible (e.g. eating in shared space at school).
- Participation in activities where masking can be maintained may be resumed. Individuals should avoid activities where mask removal is necessary (for example, dining out).
- Individuals exempt from masking (for example, children under two years of age) can return to public settings without masking
Fully vaccinated means that it has been at least 14 days since you received:
- The full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada (e.g., two doses of Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, or one dose of Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) or any combination of such vaccines, or
- One or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada (e.g., Sinopharm) followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada (e.g., Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or
- Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada (e.g., Abdala).
Highest risk settings include:
Hospitals (including complex continuing care facilities and paramedic services), home and community care workers and congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals, including, but not limited to, Long-Term Care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, correctional institutions, Provincial Demonstration Schools, and hospital schools.
In general, most community settings would not be considered highest-risk (e.g., dental, optometry).
Child-care facilities including schools are not considered ‘highest risk’ unless they are a congregate living setting and/or are associated with a health care environment for immunocompromised or otherwise medically complex individuals (e.g., respite care).
For information about PCR tests (including eligibility and how to get one), please visit the
Provincial website.
What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19
Fully vaccinated or aged 11 or younger: You MUST isolate IMMEDIATELY for 5 days from symptom onset or from the date of your test, whichever came first.
- Your isolation can end after 5 days IF your symptoms are improved for at least 24 hours (48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms), whichever is longer and you continue to follow all public health safety measures, such as masking and physical distancing.
- Anyone involved in contact sports who has completed their 5 day isolation period, who cannot maintain masking or physical distancing requirements, should not return to practice or play for an additional 5 days from the end of your isolation period (10 days from symptom onset or from the date of your test, whichever came first). This is because an infected person may be contagious up to 10 days after symptom onset/date of test.
I live with someone who has symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19
- You must self-isolate while the individual who has tested positive or has symptoms of COVID-19 is isolating, regardless of ongoing exposure.
- If you or another person in the household develops symptoms, all household members who are still well and have not developed COVID-19 symptoms should extend their self-isolation until the newly symptomatic person has finished their isolation period. The initial household member with symptoms does not have to extend their self-isolation period based on other household members becoming ill.
- If you have previously tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days (based on positive RAT or molecular test results), you are not required to self-isolate and can attend high-risk settings, as long as you are currently asymptomatic.
- If your isolation period is only 5 days, instead of 10 days, and you are involved in contact sports where you cannot maintain masking or physical distancing requirements, you should not return to practice or play for an additional 5 days from the end of your 5 day isolation period.
I have been exposed to someone who has symptoms or has COVID-19 who I don't live with
If you are fully vaccinated , have no symptoms and are otherwise healthy:
- Self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days after your last exposure to that person.
- If leaving home, wear a mask and practice physical distancing and all other public health measures.
- Do not visit any high-risk settings or people who are at higher risk of illness (such as the elderly) for 10 days after your last exposure.
- If you develop symptoms you and your household members must isolate IMMEDIATELY for 5 days from the onset of your symptoms.
- If you are involved in contact sports and cannot maintain masking or physical distancing requirements, you should not return to practice or play until 10 days from your last exposure to the person.
If you are NOT fully vaccinated and under age 11:
- Isolate IMMEDIATELY for 5 days after your last exposure, regardless of whether you have any symptoms or have tested negative on a RAT or PCR test.
- If you are involved in contact sports where you cannot maintain masking or physical distancing requirements, you should not return to practice or play until 10 days from your last exposure to the person.
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If you are NOT fully vaccinated and aged 12 years or older or are immunocompromised:
- Isolate IMMEDIATELY for 10 days after your last exposure, regardless of whether you have any symptoms or have tested negative on a RAT or PCR test.
