What is COVID-19?
The Covid-19 (also known as the 2019 Novel Coronovirus) is a new respiratory virus. In confirmed cases of illness in
humans, common symptoms have been acute, serious respiratory illness with fever, cough, shortness of breath and
breathing difficulties.
Symptoms of COVID-19
Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19
because they are similar to a cold or flu.
Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known infectious period
for this disease. We are currently investigating if the virus can be transmitted to others if someone is not showing
symptoms. While experts believe that it is possible, it is considered to be rare.
Symptoms have included:
- new or worsening cough
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- temperature equal or over 38°C
- feeling feverish
-
chills
-
fatigue or weakness
-
muscle or body aches
-
new loss of smell or taste
-
headache
-
gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting)
- feeling very unwell
Preventing Coronavirus
Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will be available to everyone who lives in Canada over the course of
2021. Until extensive immunization is achieved, national and local public health measures will continue to be
essential to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in Canada.
For more information, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines.html
Hygiene
Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:
- wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when
preparing food
- use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
-
when coughing or sneezing:
- cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
- dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands
afterwards
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean high-touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts
water
How Coronavirus Spreads
Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected
person through:
- respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
- close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands
Current evidence suggests person-to-person spread is efficient when there is close contact.
Risks of Getting Coronavirus
Canadians are advised to avoid all non-essential travel
There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for individuals:
aged 65 and over
with compromised immune systems
with underlying medical conditions
If you have even mild symptoms, stay home and call the public health authority in the
province or territory you are in to inform them. They will provide advice on what you should do.
If you have COVID-19, reduce contact with other
If you are sick, reduce contact with others by:
- staying at home and self isolating (unless directed to seek medical care)
- if you must leave your home, wear a mask or cover your mouth and nose with tissues, and
maintain a 2-metre distance from others
- avoiding individuals in hospitals and long-term care centres, especially older adults and those with chronic
conditions or compromised immune systems.
- avoiding having visitors to your home
- covering your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing and sneezing
- having supplies delivered to your home instead of running errands
- supplies should be dropped off outside to ensure a 2-metre separation
How to Stay Updated on the Covid-19 Outbreak
Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)
Ontario Centre for Disease Control: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus
We will continue to update our information based on the latest data available.
Please email us here if you have any questions: info@newgold.com
We all can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. We encourage everyone to abide by the Health Canada basic protective
measures against the virus, via this link