The Government of Canada is asking all Canadians currently returning from any travel abroad to self-isolate for 14 days.

The request has been issued in order to help limit the spread of COVID-19, which is transmittable even by some people who are not experiencing any symptoms.

By the federal government’s description, self-isolation involves not leaving home unless “absolutely necessary,” such as seeking medical care.

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Expectations for returning travellers and others who are self-isolating include:

Staying home from work and school (where schools are still open);

Avoiding public transportation;

Arranging to have supplies such as groceries dropped off at their doors;

Especially avoiding elderly people and anyone with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions;

Keeping any unavoidable interactions with other people brief, maintaining at least two metres’ distance from them and wearing a mask.

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Advice for enhanced hygiene measures within the home by those who are self-isolating include:

Frequently washing their hands, using soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, or removing dirt with a wet wipe and then using alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

Avoiding touching their faces;

Coughing and sneezing only into the bend of their arm or a tissue;

Cleaning and disinfecting at least once daily the surfaces they touch frequently, using regular household disinfectants or diluted bleach;

Avoiding sharing personal items with others living in the same residence;

Closing the toilet lid before flushing;

Carefully disposing contaminated items that can’t otherwise be cleaned along with other household waste.

Those in self-isolation are advised to get lots of rest and eat a balanced diet. They are to monitor themselves for symptoms and immediately get in touch with their health-care provider or with public-health authorities if those symptoms worsen.

The government’s call for returning travellers to self-isolate was made this weekend, as Ottawa also encouraged Canadians currently abroad to swiftly make arrangements to return home, owing to the prospect of coming flight cancellations.

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