Coronavirus / COVID-19 / SARS CoV-2
Information about COVID-19/Coronavirus/SARS CoV-2
Public Health Ontario and Health Canada continue to monitor and respond to the outbreak of a respiratory disease called COVID-19 and commonly referred to as the coronavirus in the media. This new strain of SARS CoV-2 was first detected in Wuhan, China. The rate of infection has been exponential in most cases and has expanded to many other countries in the World.
COVID-19 is a new virus. It spreads by respiratory droplets of an infected person to others with whom they have close contact such as people who live in the same household or provide care. It can survive on different surfaces but can be killed by most cleaners and disinfectants, according to Public Health Ontario and Health Canada.
COVID-19 is declared a Global Pandemic, which is impacting over 150 countries and counting with the outbreak of the disease.
There has been increased reporting that person-to-person transmission which is now impacting Canada. At the same time, other respiratory illnesses like seasonal influenza and colds are currently widespread in many countries at the same time as this Pandemic outbreak.
Symptoms
It is repoIllness from COVID-19 is wide-ranging, from mild to severe symptoms and death. According to the CDC, the symptoms may appear two days to two weeks after exposure:
The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause illness ranging from a very mild, cold-like illness to a severe lung infection. Symptoms can include:
Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Muscle ache
- Headache
Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
It is important to consult your medical provider if you develop any severe or concerning symptoms. Symptoms can appear after two days after exposure up, to two weeks after exposure. It is important to self-isolate and notifies your medical provider and the Government of Ontario and Canada Health services for more information and treatment options and testing.
COVID-19 /Coronavirus/SARS CoV-2
The Public Health Ontario encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other areas to pay attention are areas or spaces that include:
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- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms/Washrooms
- Schools/Classrooms
- Offices
- Warehouses
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving/Racks
- Sales Counters
- Carpets and Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevators / escalators
- Playground Equipment
- Fitness Equipment
Minimize Your Exposure – Call SLC Environmental or email us at info@slcenvironmental.ca
Tips and Best Practices to Minimize Your Exposure include Practicing Good Hygiene
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- Clean hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Clean and use hand sanitizer and wash your hands frequently
- Avoid touching your face or other body parts that may allow entry into your body and cover coughs and sneezes
- Disinfect “high traffic areas and areas that come into a lot touch” surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, tables, doorknobs, and handrails regularly
- Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting the air conditioning
At Home or the Office
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- Maintain Physical distance. Stop shaking hands – use other non-contact methods of greeting and keep at least 2 meters or 6 feet away from someone else
- Use video conferencing for meetings when possible and work from home.
- When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces
- Disinfect “high touch” surfaces like desks, keyboards, light switches, doorknobs, and telephones
- Clean and disinfect all foods, supplies entering or coming into your home or work environment
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