COVID-19 Information & Services (last updated June 3rd 2020)

News > COVID-19 Information & Services (last updated June 3rd 2020)

SYMPTOMS & TESTING INFORMATION

1. PROTECT YOURSELF:

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed by PRACTICING “PHYSICAL DISTANCING” and PRACTICING CAREFUL HYGIENE

PHYSICAL DISTANCING means staying at home as much as possible and stay away from people you do not live with (at least 6 feet of distance between you and someone else).

Limit non-essential trips out of your home.
Keep two metres/six feet distance from others.
Wear a mask or face covering if you can’t keep physical distance.
Clean your hands often. Wash your hands using soap and water for at least 15 seconds OR an alcohol-based (70-90%) hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your face (especially your eyes, nose and mouth) with unwashed hands.
Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue. Immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home if you are feeling unwell.

2. LEARN THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19:

SOURCE: Government of Ontario

Symptoms of COVID-19, which is the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus, range from mild — like the flu and other common respiratory infections — to severe.

Call 911 if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, can only speak in single words)
severe chest pain (constant tightness or crushing sensation)
feeling confused or unsure of where you are
losing consciousness

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

fever (feeling hot to the touch, a temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher)
chills
cough that’s new or worsening (continuous, more than usual)
barking cough, making a whistling noise when breathing (croup)
shortness of breath (out of breath, unable to breathe deeply)
sore throat
difficulty swallowing
runny, stuffy or congested nose (not related to seasonal allergies or other known causes or conditions)
lost sense of taste or smell
pink eye (conjunctivitis)
headache that’s unusual or long lasting
digestive issues (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain)
muscle aches
extreme tiredness that is unusual (fatigue, lack of energy)
falling down often
for young children and infants: sluggishness or lack of appetite

3. IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19:

SOURCE: Government of Ontario

If you begin to feel symptoms of COVID-19, you should:

go to a COVID-19 assessment centre to get tested
stay home and self-isolate unless you are going to the assessment centre
tell people you were in close physical contact with in the 48 hours before your symptoms began to monitor their health and to self-isolate

Only call 911 if it is an emergency.

4. USE THE ONLINE SELF ASSESSMENT QUIZ IF YOU ARE UNSURE WHAT TO DO:

If you feel symptoms and are unsure if they are COVID-19 related, use this quiz to help you learn what steps you need to take:

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0

5. LEARN THE GUIDELINES FOR WHO SHOULD GET TESTED FOR COVID-19:

Source: City of Toronto

IMPORTANT:

DPNCHC WILL NOT BE TESTING FOR COVID-19.

YOU MUST VISIT AN ASSESSMENT CENTRE FOR A TEST.

OHIP coverage is NOT REQUIRED to be seen at a COVID-19 Assessment Centre. The assessment is provided at no cost to the individual.

WHO SHOULD VISIT AN ASSESSMENT (TESTING) CENTRE:

People experiencing at least one of the following symptoms of COVID-19:

Fever (temperature of 37.8C or greater)
New or worsening cough
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
New olfactory or taste disorder(s)
Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Runny nose, or nasal congestion – in absence of underlying reason for these symptoms such as seasonal allergies, post nasal drip, etc.

Note: See the COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms for atypical symptoms of COVID-19 which should be considered, particularly in children, older persons, and people living with a developmental disability.

Some asymptomatic individuals may be recommended for testing in consultation with public health. This includes if:

- You were a close contact of someone who has COVID-19;
- You are concerned you may have been exposed to someone who might have COVID-19, even if you do not have symptoms;
- You are at high risk for getting COVID-19 through your work (e.g. health care workers, grocery store or food processing plant employees), even if you do not have symptoms.

WHO SHOULD GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

People with acute medical illness who are experiencing at least one of the following symptoms of COVID-19:

Fever (temperature of 37.8C or greater)
New or worsening cough
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Sore throat
Difficulty swallowing
New olfactory or taste disorder(s)
Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Runny nose, or nasal congestion – in absence of underlying reason for these symptoms such as seasonal allergies, post nasal drip, etc.

NOTE: See COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms for atypical symptoms of COVID-19 which should be considered, particularly in children, older person, and people living with a developmental disability.

AND:

Have any of the following signs of severe illness:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Weakness
Lethargy or drowsiness
Dizziness

If you are not well enough to take personal transportation, call 911.

The following infants and children should also be assessed in the emergency department:

Infants under 3 months of age with fever or trouble breathing or appear unwell
Children and infants over 3 months of age with any of the following:

- Fever longer than 7 days
- fast breathing or trouble breathing
- bluish skin colour
- not drinking enough fluids
- not waking up or not interacting
- being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- fever with a rash
- constant vomiting
- immune compromised with a fever

PEOPLE WHO ARE UNSURE IF THEY SHOULD VISIT AN ASSESSMENT (TESTING) CENTRE SHOULD:

call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 and speak with a registered nurse who will guide whether you will require further care or potential testing in person, or
call their primary care provider

TESTING CENTRE LOCATIONS:

https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-health-advice/covid-19-assessment-centres/

COVID-19 INFORMATION IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

Information sheet in PORTUGUESE:

https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-portuguese-2020-02-18.pdf

Information sheet in SPANISH:

https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-spanish-2020-02-18.pdf

Information sheet in ITALIAN:

https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-italian-2020-02-18.pdf

Information sheet in ARABIC:

https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-arabic-2020-02-18.pdf

Information sheet in VIETNAMESE:

https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-vietnamese-2020-03-17.pdf

Information sheet in TAMIL:

https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-tamil-2020-02-18.pdf

Information sheet in SIMPLIFIED CHINESE:

https://files.ontario.ca/moh-coronavirus-info-sheet-simplified-chinese-2020-02-18.pdf

COMMUNITY SERVICES CURRENTLY OPEN

Four Villages Community Health Centre (all sites)

Source: Official Statement

All group programming is cancelled
Primary Care is available for existing clients but you must CALL AHEAD to make an appointment

Unison Health & Community Services (all sites)

Source: Official Statement

All group programs are CANCELLED (effective March 16 to April 3, 2020).
Tax Clinic has been CANCELLED until further notice
Pathways to Education office is CLOSED until further notice.
EdgeOV (youth clinic) is CLOSED until further notice.
Legal Clinic is limiting its service to phone advice only. Please call 416–653–5400 ext. 1244.
Hours have been adjusted at each site: New Hours

The Stop Community Food Centre

Source: Official Statement

All group programs have been suspended (including Healthy Beginnings, Community Kitchen, Wychwood Open Door, Income Tax Clinic, Urban Agriculture Programs, Farmer’s Market);
Limited food access programs at 1884 Davenport Road are available:
- Food bank is open Monday and Friday, 12pm – 3pm
- Takeaway breakfast is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9am – 10am
- Takeaway lunch is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12pm – 1pm
Advocates are available by telephone only to provide referrals, information and support Monday – Friday, 10am – 2pm by calling (416) 652-7867 x243

Sistering 24-Hour Drop-In

Source: Official Statement

Sistering has relocated its services to the Masaryk Cowan Community Centre in Parkdale (220 Cowan Avenue) at Queen Street and Cowan Avenue (3 blocks west of Dufferin) to conform to physical distancing requirements – the site at 962 Bloor Street West is closed until further notice;
They are offering the following services at their new temporary site:
- Harm Reduction: Providing adequate access to supplies and support.
- Medical Clinic: ICHA medical team will continue with virtual medical support.
- Food Access: Preparing and distributing healthy meals and snacks daily.

Yorktown Family Services

Source: Official Statement

Community groups and programs have been closed until further notice;
Phone based counseling can be accessed by calling 416 669 3521 – click here for service hours

WHAT IS CLOSED

The Province of Ontario declared a State of Emergency on March 12th 2020. Updates to the Emergency declaration can be found here.

As of May 30th, the following services are closed or altered until further notice:

Child care centres

All licensed child care centres must be closed until at least June 9, 2020.

Some EarlyON Child and Family Centres may be accepting telephone inquiries or providing virtual support services for parents, caregivers and families. Contact your local EarlyON Centre to find out about available services.

Learn about emergency child care for health care and other frontline staff.

Correctional facility visits

All personal visits are temporarily suspended for adult correctional facilities.

Professional visitors, including legal counsel, will continue to have access but are required to wear PPE, complete an active screening process and undergo temperature checks before entering any provincial institution.

Libraries

Public libraries are open for pick-up and delivery. They will stay closed to public access.

Long-term care homes visits

Only essential visitors, such as those visiting a very ill or palliative resident, may enter a long-term care home. Essential visitors must be screened on entry for COVID-19 and wear surgical/procedure masks at all times.

For questions about long-term care homes, call the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s Family Support and Action Line at 1-866-434-0144 between 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., seven days a week.

Provincial parks and camping

Provincial parks and conservation reserves are open for limited day-use access only. This includes walking, hiking, biking, boating, paddling and fishing. Camping and other activities are not permitted.

Buildings and facilities, including water taps, campgrounds, backcountry campsites, roofed accommodations, playgrounds and beaches are closed. Washroom facilities may be available at some parks.

If you had a reservation from March 19 to May 31, 2020, it will automatically be refunded with no penalty.

Use the park locator to find the latest information about the park and services near you.

Private schools

All private schools will remain closed until at least June 9, 2020.

Public schools

All publicly funded schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year, based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the provincial COVID-19 Command Table.

Restaurants and bars

Restaurant and bars can offer takeout food and delivery only.

Theatres and concert venues

All theatres (including movie theatres) and concert venues are closed.

CHANGES TO GOVERNMENT SERVICES

Assistive Devices Program

During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Assistive Devices Program Office is only accepting new applications for funding assistance via email and fax. Learn more about submitting an application.

Court closures and filing documents

You should not go to an Ontario Court of Justice courthouse unless:

it is an urgent criminal or family matters that cannot be handled by phone or video
it is a matter of urgent or essential criminal intake court
you cannot file urgent court documents by email

Get details from the Ontario Court of Justice.

Dental programs

Non-emergency dental services under the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program and Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program are suspended.

Expired driver’s licences, vehicles and permits

To reduce the need for in-person visits to ServiceOntario, Ontario drivers’ licences, and carrier products and services that expired on or after March 1, 2020 will remain valid and legal until further notice. Learn more about the products or services with extended expiry dates.

Guaranteed Annual Income System payments

Beginning in April 2020, monthly Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payment amounts will be automatically doubled for a period of six months.

Interest arbitration appointments

Interest arbitration appointments with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development must be booked by email until further notice. We are not accepting requests by mail or fax.

To book an appointment, send an email to DRS.Director@ontario.ca and include:

“Request for interest arbitration appointment” in the subject line
the details of your request in the body of the email

Learn more about the collective bargaining process in Ontario.

Marriage

You can still get married in-person while satisfying the current provincial restrictions on gatherings. Learn about changes to getting married in-person during the COVID-19 outbreak.

OHIP changes

New OHIP card

We have waived the 3-month waiting period for OHIP coverage. Even if you are uninsured or do not meet the OHIP eligibility requirements, we will pay for COVID-19 services.

Learn how to apply for OHIP.

Expired OHIP card

If your health card is currently expired or expiring soon, you do not need to renew it to receive health services.

This includes converting from a red and white health card to a photo health card.

Ontario Autism Program

Deadlines have been extended related to childhood budgets.

You may now take up to 18 months to spend childhood budget funding and submitting expense forms.

The March 31, 2020 deadline to submit Ontario Autism Program registration and supporting documents for interim one-time funding has been extended indefinitely. We will establish a new deadline at a future date.

Ontario Works and ODSP

Apply for emergency assistance or, if you’re already an Ontario Works or ODSP recipient, learn about additional resources.

OSAP

Applying for OSAP

The 2020-2021 OSAP application for full-time students is now open. Learn how to apply.

Temporary loan deferral

From March 30, 2020 to September 30, 2020, you are not required to make loan payments and interest will not accrue on your student loans. Learn more about temporary deferral.

ServiceOntario closures and online services

Learn about which ServiceOntario centres are closed and what products you can order online.

Settlement agencies

Settlement agencies have suspended in-person services until further notice.

Some agencies may offer services through telephone or video applications. Contact your local settlement agency to find out what services are available.

Tribunal and board closures and changes

In-person hearings have been postponed and will either be rescheduled on a later date, or done in writing or by phone. Contact your tribunal or board for more information:

Trillium Drug and Seniors Co-Payment Programs

Learn about temporary process changes for applying to the Trillium Drug Program and the Seniors Co-Payment Program.

DATA & UPDATES ON COVID-19

City of Toronto

WHAT: Updates on local restrictions, rules, as well as supports and resources

https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/

Public Health Agency of Canada

WHAT: Daily updates on COVID-19 spread across Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

Government of Ontario

WHAT: Daily updates on COVID-19 spread across Ontario, including testing rates

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

World Health Organization

WHAT: Facts and myths about COVID-19, up to date medical facts

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters