KFL&A Public Health releases tips to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus

Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) Public Health released new information on preventing the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020.

As health officials across the country and around the globe continue work to control the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) Public Health say they are working closely with local, provincial and federal partners to monitor and respond to the outbreak. The following are new quarantine recommendations for travellers returning from the most affected areas to help control the spread of 2019-nCoV.

KFL&A Public Health is asking all travellers from China’s Hubei Province, including Wuhan, to quarantine themselves for 14 after their departure from the affected area.

“Quarantine means isolating someone who may have been exposed to a disease to prevent the spread of infection to others. Returning travellers from Hubei Province to the KFL&A area are asked to stay away from others and to contact KFL&A Public Health within 24 hours of arrival,” the local health unit said in a press release.

While those who have visited mainland China outside of the Hubei Province are not being asked to quarantine themselves, they should monitor themselves daily for symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing for 14 days after their depature from China.

“When you are exposed to an illness, there is a time between the exposure and when you start to feel sick. This is known as the incubation period,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health at KFL&A Public Health. “Quarantine is a cautious action used to lower the chance that the coronavirus will be spread to others.”

Those who are returning from the Hubei Province and are under quarantine are asked to follow these steps:

• Call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 within 24 hours of returning from Hubei Province.
• Stay at home. Do not go to work, school, or other public places. Do not have visitors over to your home.
• Avoid non-essential medical or dental appointments.
• If you become ill with symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever or cough, or new or worsening shortness of breath, call KFL&A Public Health (613-549-1232) or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000). If your symptoms are severe and you need to go to hospital by ambulance, call 9-1-1 and inform them of your travel history.
• Do not use public transportation or taxis.
• Clean all frequently touched surfaces daily using a common household disinfectant

KFL&A Public Health states that everyone should take the following steps to help prevent the spread of germs, including the 2019 novel coronavirus:

• Clean your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Cough and sneeze into the bend of your arm, or a tissue, and not into your hand.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with your hands.
• Clean objects and surfaces that a lot of people touch with regular household cleaner.
• Get your influenza vaccine.
• Stay home when you are sick and avoid contact with other people unti your symptoms are come.
• Do not share personal items that come in contact with saliva, such as eating utensils or water bottles

To find out more about the current 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, visit the KFL&A Public Health page on the virus here, or the Government of Ontario page on the virus here.