Isolation instructions for COVID-19

• If you have a positive test result and no symptoms, you do not need to self-isolate unless symptoms develop, but you should follow the precautions below. If you develop symptoms, self-isolate immediately.

• Please inform anyone you were in close contact with that they may have been exposed to COVID.
  • Close contacts include those who have been less than two metres away from someone with COVID-19 symptoms for at least 15 minutes, or multiple shorter lengths of time, without measures such as masking, distancing, and/or the use of personal protective equipment in the 48 hours before the person’s symptoms began (or from positive test) until they are no longer communicable (which may be up to 10 days).

I am immunocompromised and have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive on a PCR or rapid antigen test

• You should stay home for 10 days after symptom onset (or positive test).
• Refer to guidance on COVID-19 testing and treatment.
• If you test negative for COVID-19, you can stop isolating at home once your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea) and you do not have a fever.
• It is recommended to follow the additional precautions below.

What additional precautions should I take if I have symptoms of COVID-19, a positive test or were in close contact with someone with COVID-19?

• Take additional precautions for a total of 10 days after the start of symptoms (or date of positive test result, whichever is earlier), you should:
  • Continue to wear a well-fitted mask as much as possible in all public settings, unless:
    • You are unable to wear a mask, such as children under 2 years old
    • You are removing the mask temporarily for essential activities like eating (e.g., when eating in shared space at school/work while maintaining as much distance from others as possible).
  • Avoid non-essential activities where removing the mask would be 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 any highest risk settings, such as hospitals and long-term care homes. Where visits cannot be avoided, you should wear a medical mask, maintain physical distancing, and notify the highest risk setting of your recent illness/positive test. The person you are visiting should also wear a mask if they are able to.

If you are working in a highest risk setting:

Highest risk settings include:

• Acute care settings such as hospitals, including complex continuing care facilities.
• Congregate living settings, including, Long-Term Care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, correctional institutions and hospital schools.

Speak to your employer and follow your workplace guidance for returning to work. In general, you may return to work after self-isolating and following additional precautions as above.

• Additional measures to reduce the risk of transmission for 10 days after the date your symptoms started, or the date of your positive test (whichever is earlier) include:
  • Avoid caring for patients/residents at highest risk of severe COVID-19 infection, where possible
  • Ensure well-fitting source control masking (e.g., a well-fitting medical mask or fit or non-fit tested N95 respirator or KN95)
  • Review PPE and IPAC practices, where possible
  • Take unmasked breaks in a separate breakroom, or with physical distancing, to avoid exposing co-workers
  • Work on a single ward or area of the setting as much as possible
  • Work in a single facility, as much as possible

I was exposed to someone who has symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19

Close Contacts should follow these instructions:

• You do not need to self-isolate if you do not have symptoms. 
• If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, you should assume that you are positive for COVID-19 and follow the self-isolation instructions.
• For a total of 10 days after the last exposure to the person who has symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19 (on a PCR or rapid antigen test), you should:
  • Self-monitor for symptoms
  • Self-isolate if you develop any symptom of COVID-19
  • Follow the instructions above if you have tested positive on a PCR or rapid antigen test or have symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Follow additional precautions for persons who have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID-19 or are a close contact of COVID-19

• Employees working in highest risk settings should report their exposure and follow their workplace guidance.
• If you live in a highest risk setting, follow the self-isolation guidelines of the setting. Speak to your facility operator.

I developed COVID-19 symptoms after receiving Paxlovid treatment

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms 2-8 days following Paxlovid treatment for COVID-19, ("rebound symptoms"), re-start your self-isolation from the day you developed these symptoms until your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea) and you do not have a fever. 

Are there any COVID-19 requirements for travel in and out of Canada?

Rapid Antigen Test after infection

Rapid antigen tests may remain positive for up to 30 days. If the person develops new symptoms of COVID-19 during the 30-day period following a positive rapid antigen test, consult a health care provider to help with the decision on whether to do further testing. Individuals who develop new symptoms of COVID-19 should complete the provincial screening tool and follow the isolation and additional instructions provided. 

PCR Test after infection:

Some people may still test positive on a PCR test for weeks or months after their initial infection. This is because the PCR test is detecting viral remains that are no longer living and unable to cause infection or spread to others.

If the person develops new symptoms of COVID-19 within that 90 day period, consult a health care provider to help with the decision on whether to do further testing, if you are eligible for PCR testing. Individuals who develop new symptoms of COVID-19 should complete the provincial screening tool and follow the isolation and additional instructions provided. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) and PCR tests

• How to collect a sample for a rapid antigen test (RAT) 

Accessing medical care during self-isolation

If you have symptoms, you should follow self-isolation instructions and additional measures for 10 days after your symptom onset. If you need to seek urgent medical care or attend essential medical appointments with a health care professional that cannot be delayed (e.g., for newborns 24-72 hours after discharge from hospital) please discuss this with your healthcare provider before attending your appointment and let them know you tested positive for COVID-19 or are isolating due to symptoms.
Urgent medical care includes babies under 3 months of age with a fever who should be seen by CHEO or the nearest emergency department.
If you are in distress, go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 (experiencing significant trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or have significant worsening of any chronic disease symptoms).