Community Health Update: Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with symptoms like the common cold or flu but can advance, in some cases, to severe respiratory illness or even death. The risk to Mississauga residents remains low. Peel Public Health is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada, Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and other local health providers to monitor the situation and take actions as appropriate.

If you have recently travelled to Hubei province (including Wuhan), China in the last 14 days, limit your contact with others for a total of 14 days from the date that you left Hubei. This means self-isolate and stay at home. In addition, please contact Peel Public Health for further advice and monitoring.

Prevention

The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as novel coronavirus is to:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Common signs include fever, and respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.

As with other illnesses, you should connect with a health care provider if you experience:

• a high fever
• shortness of breath
• trouble breathing

Advise them of your travel/contact history in advance of your visit so they can take steps to protect other people from getting sick.

More Information:

Peel Public Health

Province of Ontario – Ministry of Health

Government of Canada – Novel Coronavirus in China

World Health Organization – Coronavirus