COVID-19 is spread through close and prolonged contact with a person transmitting the COVID-19 virus. A close contact is someone who had a prolonged exposure in close proximity (within 2 metres) to a person diagnosed with COVID-19. Contact should be considered from (48 hours) before the start of the person’s symptoms or 48 hours before the positive test date.
Who is considered a close contact?
Close Contact
- Your household members are considered close contacts.
- You were within 2 metres of a person who is infectious. There are different activities that increase risk in this case. For example, face to face conversations increase the risk and the longer you spend with an infected person, the greater the risk.
- You had multiple close encounters with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 over a 24-hour period without masking, distancing and/or use of PPE.
- You had close, physical contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, such as a hug, hand shake or massage.
- You live in the same home as someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
- You worked physically near (less than 2 metres of physical distance) a person who is infectious for a prolonged period of time.
- You took lunch breaks or socialized in the break room with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 and were within 2 metres.
Not a Close Contact
- If you consistently maintained a distance of at least 2 metres away from the individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19.
- You had a very brief, close contact while wearing a mask and/or with a barrier in place.
- You passed by someone quickly.
- You made a delivery to someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19 but had no contact within 2 metres of them.
- You worked the same shift as someone diagnosed with COVID-19 but never worked within 2 metres of them.
- You attended the same store as someone diagnosed with COVID-19 but had no direct contact with them (i.e., never came within 2 metres of them).
These are general guidelines that apply to community exposures. For exposures in vulnerable populations such as congregate living centres, guidelines are adapted to protect those at higher risk.
Instructions for close contacts
For 10 days after the last exposure to the person with COVID-19/ COVID-19 symptoms close contacts must:
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Self-monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop, self-isolate and follow the instructions on this page.
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Wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings
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Individuals should wear a mask as much as possible in public settings. Reasonable exceptions would include temporary removal for essential activities like eating (e.g., when eating in shared space at school/work while maintaining as much distancing from others as possible)
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Individuals can participate in activities where you can wear a mask, but should avoid activities where mask removal would be necessary (e.g., dining out)
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Individuals who are exempt from masking (e.g., children under two years of age, etc.) may return to public settings without masking
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Not visit anyone who is immunocompromised or at higher risk of illness (i.e., seniors)
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Not visit any highest risk settings such as hospitals and Long-Term Care homes. If the visit cannot be avoided, the close contact should wear a medical mask, maintain physical distancing, and notify highest risk setting of exposure
If you work or volunteer in a highest risk setting and have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or has COVID-19 symptoms
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If you’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19/has COVID-19 symptoms and work/volunteer/attend in a highest risk setting, you can follow this guidance, and may continue to work, if you do not have symptoms (unless otherwise directed by public health). You should also:
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Speak with your employer to report their exposure and follow their workplace guidance for return to work.
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Self-monitor for symptoms for a total of 10 days after the last exposure to the COVID-19 positive case or individual with COVID-19 symptoms
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Self-isolate immediately if you develop any symptom of COVID-19 and seek testing if eligible.
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Individuals who are required to work in person may attend the highest risk setting right away following the guidance below:
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Where feasible, close contacts with a household (ongoing) exposure obtain an immediate PCR or rapid molecular test, and re-testing at day 5 from initial exposure if initial test was negative.
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Where feasible, close contacts with a discrete (one-time) high-risk exposure obtain PCR or rapid molecular testing at day 5 from initial exposure.
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Testing of close contacts with rapid antigen testing for 10 days may be recommended (as an alternative to PCR/molecular testing and/or in addition to PCR/molecular testing) based on setting specific IPAC and/or Occupational Health direction.
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Where testing is recommended, individuals may continue to attend the highest risk setting even if test results are pending or if testing was not obtained, unless otherwise directed by their IPAC/Occupational health lead.
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Active screening for symptoms ahead of each shift.
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Individuals should not remove their mask when in the presence of other staff to reduce exposure to co-workers (i.e., not eating meals/drinking in a shared space such as conference room or lunch room).
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Working in only one facility, where possible.
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Ensuring well-fitting source control masking for the staff to reduce the risk of transmission (e.g., a well-fitting medical mask or fit or non-fit tested N95 respirator or KN95).
If you live in a Long-term Care Home or Retirement Home and you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or has COVID-19 symptoms, you should:
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If you are a roommate of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 you should self isolate and be placed on additional precautions. Individuals who remain asymptomatic may discontinue isolation after a minimum of 5 days of isolation following a negative molecular COVID-19 test taken on or after Day 5 (from onset of isolation period).
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All other non-roommate residents should be encouraged to wear a well-fitting mask and maintain distance from others for 10 days after last exposure. Monitor for symptoms twice a day.
If you live in a Congregate Living Setting, such as a group home or shelter, and you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or has COVID-19 symptoms, you should:
While outside of the highest risk setting you can follow the above community guidance “Instructions for close contacts”.
Tell others
Tell your employer that you have had a high-risk exposure to someone with COVID-19. Speak with their employer to report your exposure and follow their workplace guidance for return to work.
Self-Monitor for symptoms
Even if not required to self-isolate, all close contacts should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
Get tested for COVID-19
Find out if you are eligible for publicly-funded COVID-19 testing
If you have a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at home, you can use it and follow the instructions.
If you do not have symptoms you should self-monitor for symptoms and self-isolate if any symptoms develop.
Where can I get more information?
Call the Ministry COVID-19 Testing and Isolation Information Line at: 1-888-777-0730 from 8 am to 6 pm daily.