Know the difference : Self-monitoring, self-isolation, and isolation for COVID-19
Symptoms of COVID-19
- Fever
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
| Self-monitoring | Self-isolation | Isolation |
|---|---|---|
| You have:no symptoms ANDa history of possible exposure to the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, in the last 14 days | You have:no symptoms ANDa history of possible exposure to the novel coronavirus due to travel outside of Canada or close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 | You have:symptoms, even if mild ANDyou have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are waiting for the results of a lab test for COVID-19 |
| Self-monitor means to:monitor yourself for 14 days for one or more symptoms of COVID-19go about your day but avoid crowded places and increase your personal space from others, whenever possibleIncrease physical distance from others by practicing physical distancing | Self-isolate means to:stay at home and monitor yourself for symptoms, even if mild, for 14 daysavoid contact with other people to help prevent the spread of disease in your home and in your community in the event you become symptomaticLimit contact with others by practicing physical distancing | To be isolated means to:stay at home until your Public Health Authority advises you that you are no longer at risk of spreading the virus to othersavoid contact with other people to help prevent the spread of disease in your home and in your community, particularly people at high risk of severe illness outcomes such as older adults or medically vulnerable peopleLimit contact with others and do not leave home unless absolutely necessary, such as to seek medical care |
| You need to self-monitor if:you have reason to believe you have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 ORyou are in close contact with older adults or medically vulnerable people ORyou have been advised to self-monitor for any other reason by your Public Health Authority | You need to self-isolate if:you have travelled outside of Canada within the last 14 days ORyour Public Health Authority has identified you as a close contact of someone diagnosed with COVID-19 | You need to isolate if:you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 ORyou are waiting to hear the results of a laboratory test for COVID-19 ORyou have been advised to isolate at home for any other reason by your Public Health Authority |
| If you develop symptoms, isolate yourself from others immediately and contact your Public Health Authority as soon as possible | If you develop symptoms, even if mild, stay home, avoid other people and contact your Public Health Authority as soon as possible | If your symptoms get worse, immediately contact your healthcare provider or Public Health Authority and follow their instructions |
We can all do our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. For more information: Canada.ca/coronavirus 1-833-784-4397