Stores are closing, events are being cancelled, and states of emergency have been declared as more cases of COVID-19 are reported every day. Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, is warning that the window to “flatten the curve” — slow the spread of the coronavirus so as not to overwhelm provincial health care systems — is quickly narrowing.

So how can Canadians do their part to fight COVID-19? Here are six ways:

1. Maintain ‘social distancing’

One of the most important things any individual can do right now is to maintain “social distancing.” This means keeping at least two metres between yourself and others and staying away from big gatherings, Ashleigh Tuite, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, wrote on U of T’s website. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should never go outside — just make sure to keep some space when you take walks or ride your bike.

“Every opportunity to avoid interactions with others helps to prevent the spread of this disease,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health. “Every interaction avoided helps to flatten the curve. If you can, stay home, help out our city by reducing your interaction with others. Every little bit, every effort counts.”

This means work from home if you are able. Postpone social events and get-togethers, and consider socializing over video-conferencing platforms like Facetime or Skype. And try to make food at home if you can.

2. Wash your hands

According to the World Health Organization, washing your hands frequently can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. But when experts say “wash your hands,” they’re calling for something a lot more thorough than just a quick rinse.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says you should first wet your hands, then apply soap before washing for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to include your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails, and then rinse thoroughly. You should wash your hands often, but especially after you’ve been in a public place or if you have coughed or sneezed.

3. Call if you start to show symptoms

If you start to experience symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever or shortness of breath, you should call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, or your local public health unit. A registered nurse will answer your questions and give advice on whether and where to seek medical assistance.

4. Self-isolate if you have returned from travel abroad

Federal and provincial public health officials are strongly recommending that you self-isolate for 14 days on returning to Canada from abroad, even if you don’t feel ill. If you haven’t developed symptoms, it is still possible that you are carrying the virus.

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5. Disinfect your objects

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States recommends cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces on a daily basis to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This means using soap and water, or some other disinfectant, to clean things like your phone, wallet, keys, tables, toilets and sinks.

6. Follow the advice of public-health officials

Keep yourself informed and follow the advice and direction of public-health officials and medical professionals. Updated information is available on websites maintained by the province of Ontario and the government of Canada.