What Toronto residents can do if they feel virus-like symptoms

As COVID-19 cases begin to rise throughout the city, Toronto Public Health has highlighted several steps for people who feel they may have virus-like symptoms.

Health officials say that symptoms are very similar to the flu or a respiratory illness, which include a cough, fever, muscle aches, and shortness of breath.

Toronto Public Health’s website provides accessible information on symptoms of the virus, when to self-isolate and when to get tested.

However, the health agency also says, “if you are in close contact with someone who does not have COVID-19, but who was exposed to someone with COVID-19, you do not need to take any precautions. You may continue with your regular routines and activities.”

The measures listed are specifically for individuals who believe they may have symptoms, have recently travelled, or have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus.

Self-assessment tools

The health agency has asked for people who think they have coronavirus symptoms to remain at home and call their local public health unit.

On March 15, Toronto Public Health offered Toronto residents the Ontario Health self-assessment tool if individuals are showing symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus.

If you think you have #COVID19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment from @ONThealth to help determine if you need to seek further care: https://t.co/U6IzFR0Yl7

— Toronto Public Health (@TOPublicHealth) March 15, 2020

Diagnosis and assessment Centres

When to self-isolate

Health officials say that if any individual experiences any of the symptoms listed they should self-isolate and call a local public health unit.

And, if travel outside of Canada, including to the US, has occurred, then residents must self-isolate for 14 days after travel as a precaution.

We are receiving many questions about #COVID19 & are grateful people are asking us to get informed. Please visit our website or call 416-338-7600, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for more info: https://t.co/l0dtb07kIf

— Toronto Public Health (@TOPublicHealth) March 6, 2020

Toronto Public Health can be reached at 416-338-7600. The phone line is open from 8:30 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday, and is available between 10 am and 6 pm on weekends.

The province has provided a list of Ontario’s local public health units, so residents know who to contact.