For weeks, health officials have been urging people to go into self-isolation for 14 days if they develop flu-like symptoms or have just returned from countries severely affected by COVID-19.
According to a top doctor of the country, the recommendation that advises people to return from anywhere abroad to self-isolate has been broadened. All travelers coming to Canada must continue to self-monitor for symptoms upon their return. Travelers from outside Canada should also consider self-isolation as an additional precaution.
A close look on the steps of self-isolation
It has been stressed out by health officials to prevent contact with others by avoiding workplaces, schools, and public areas. Friends and family can drop off food and supplies at the door or use delivery services for meals and groceries.
In case the person in self-isolation lives with others, it is recommended to stay in another home if possible, especially if other members of the household have a compromised immune system or chronic health conditions.
If it is not possible to find accommodation, stay, and sleep in a room with good airflow that is away from others and uses a separate bathroom if possible.
For persons who are living in apartments or condos with shared spaces, it is still possible to enter those areas according to health experts if asymptomatic but best to go at a time when no one is around.
Interacting with others must also be considered. It is vital to limit interactions with others to limit that risk.
As a way to stop the spread of germs, the BC Centre for Disease Control recommends wearing a face mask when around others, covering sneezes or coughs, washing hands, avoid sharing household items, disinfecting common areas once a day and flushing the toilet with the lid down.
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Learn how to stay safe by enrolling in a mask fitting test which is a requirement for many workplaces and school admissions or check the available masks for sale by visiting our face mask sale page.