Corona-virus faqs 

The sources for this information are linked to trusted organizations websites.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people and others cause illness in animals. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold.

COVID-19 is a new disease that has not been previously identified in humans. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people, and more rarely, these can then spread from person to person through close contact.

There have been 2 other specific coronaviruses that have spread from animals to humans and which have caused severe illness in humans. These are the:

  • Severe Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS CoV)
  • Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV)

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 sneezes
  • 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

Feelings of fear, stress and worry are normal in a crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic is new and unexpected. This situation can be unsettling and can cause a sense of loss of control. It is normal for people and communities to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or worried. People may react in different ways. Some common feelings may include:

  • Fear of becoming ill or infected with COVID-19, or infecting others
  • A sense of being socially excluded or judged by others
  • Fear of being separated from loved ones due to isolation or physical distancing
  • Feelings of helplessness, boredom, loneliness and depression as a result of isolation or physical distancing
  • Fear of losing your job or not being able to work and struggling financially
  • Concern about your children’s education and wellbeing
Care for your mental and physical wellbeing
  • Stay informed but take breaks from social media, watching, reading, or listening to news stories
  • Practice physical distancing, but stay connected. Talk to friends or family about your feelings and concerns through email, phone calls, video chats and social media platforms
  • Practice mindfulness. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate
  • Try to eat healthy meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep

Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should self-monitor and consult your health care provider. They may recommend steps you can take to relieve symptoms.

Vaccine:

If you have received a flu vaccine, it will not protect against coronaviruses.

At this time, a vaccine or therapy to treat or prevent this disease has not yet been developed. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global review of therapies that may be used to treat or prevent the disease.

Quarantine for 14 days if you have no symptoms and any of the following apply:

  • You are returning from travel outside of country (mandatory quarantine)

Quarantine means that for 14 days you need to:

  • Stay at home and monitor yourself for symptoms, even if mild