A province-by-province breakdown of advice, requirements and who to call if you think you might have it, along with information on who is most vulnerable
A COVID-19 assessment centre in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/CP)
NOTE: This post was originally published on March 12, and is being updated frequently with the most recent information from official federal and provincial sources. Because events are changing quickly, we are drawing not only from government websites but also Twitter feeds, press conferences and other sources. Last update was Friday, May 22 at 12 p.m.
In addition to all provinces having declared emergencies to deal with the coronavirus, cities are doing the same. On April 1, Toronto declared an emergency, cancelled all non-essential services and upcoming events and closed many facilities. It won’t be the last municipality to do so. In addition to checking this post for the latest federal and provincial guidance, Maclean’s recommends that readers check their own municipal websites for specific local information.
As the coronavirus known as COVID-19 spreads in Canada, the sheer volume of information and misinformation about it can make it difficult to know exactly what is going on, and what to do if you think you or someone near you could have the virus.
So, Maclean’s has compiled information about the current situation in Canada, symptoms of COVID-19, who is most vulnerable to the virus, as well as self-isolation and notification details for each province and territory. We combed through the official coronavirus webpages of the federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as of the World Health Organization (WHO), which published a preliminary report on the outbreak in China. Sources are noted throughout.
As each province and territory has its own health terminology—Telehealth Ontario vs. Health Link 811 in Alberta, for example—much of the wording is taken directly from their sites to avoid confusion.
An important note: this information is frequently revised and updated by authorities. This post, too, is being updated regularly, but we urge readers to click on the links, especially the official sites, for the latest.
Also, wash your hands with soap. Often.
To skip directly to information and instructions for your home province on this post, follow the applicable link below:
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Yukon
Nunavut
Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus while the average is 5-6 days after infection (PHAC and WHO).
According to the BC Centre of Disease Control, the leading symptoms in confirmed cases include:
The WHO report on COVID-19 in China found that:
There is increased risk of more severe outcomes for those:
- diabetes
- cancer
- heart, renal or chronic lung disease (Ont.)
Those warnings follow the findings of that February WHO report on COVID-19 in China. According to the research team, the age difference among those affected was stark: 21.9 per cent of those over 80 years died, while just 2.4 per cent of all reported cases were children aged 18 and under (only 0.2 per cent of those became critically ill).
As well, while 1.4 per cent of COVID-19 patients with no other underlying conditions died, those with other conditions experienced much higher death rates:
In more severe cases, public health authorities believe infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death (Sask). Yet, unlike the nature of influenza, pregnant women do not appear to be at a higher risk for the severe form of COVID-19, according to the WHO report.
Contact a care provider in your area to get tested (province-by-province contact information below). Staff in some jurisdictions, especially large cities, may direct you to special assessment centres set up for COVID-19 testing. There are some basic caveats to observe, though, before and after you get tested, as the B.C. site explains:
The health-care professionals will need to know: a) your symptoms b) where you have been travelling or living c) if you had direct contact with animals, for example, if you visited a live animal market d) if you had close contact with a sick person, especially if they had a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
As of the May 22, 11 a.m. update, 6,180 residents have died of COVID-19 and there were 81,765 cases in Canada: B.C. (2,479), Alberta (6,768), Saskatchewan (622), Manitoba (290), Ontario (24,628), Quebec (45,495), New Brunswick (121), Nova Scotia (1,046), Prince Edward Island (27), Newfoundland and Labrador (260), Yukon (11), the Northwest Territories (5) and repatriated travellers (13), per daily federal and provincial updates.
Of detailed data available on more than 39,000 cases:
Federal government
Official site here.
A dashboard loaded with statistics tracking the COVID-19 outbreak in Canada has been developed by Public Health Agency of Canada and is here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool here.
COVID-19 app is here. It will allow users to receive the latest updates, vetted resources and a self-assessment tool.
There is a virtual assistant option for those looking for information (click on the small circular graphic of a headset and maple leaf at bottom right of page).
Getting advice: The Public Health Agency of Canada has an information line about COVID-19 at 1-833-784-4397. It has interpretation services available in multiple languages.
Advice
Stay at home as much as possible. All Canadians should be practising physical (social) distancing. Even if you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19, you could become infected by others.
You can go for a walk if you:
If you go out for a walk, do not congregate and always practise physical (social) distancing by keeping at least two metres apart from others at all times.
Travellers returning to Canada
The Government of Canada has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act. It applies to all travellers arriving in Canada. Its purpose is to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Canada. Failure to comply with this order is an offence under the Quarantine Act.
If you are Canadian or a permanent resident, and you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you may still enter Canada by land, rail or sea. You may not enter Canada by air, to protect the health of all travellers.
If you have symptoms, you must isolate for 14 days. This is mandatory.
If you have recently returned to Canada and you have no symptoms, you must quarantine (self-isolate) for 14 days. This is mandatory. You are at risk of developing symptoms and infecting others.
You must:
If you develop symptoms within 14 days:
Effective April 20, 2020 and until further notice, new measures require all air passengers to have a non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose during travel.
Specific information regarding self-isolation and reporting varies by province, so here are the breakdowns, using the wording from their own websites. Please note that new information is causing their risk assessments to be re-evaluated.
Official site for the BC Centre for Disease Control is here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool here.
COVID-19 self-assessment app can be accessed here.
A digital assistant to answer questions can be accessed on the BC Centre for Disease Control COVID-19 page
Getting help:
Advice:
British Columbia moved from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of its restart plan on May 19, which includes:
Parents will have the choice of bringing their children back to class on a part-time basis this school year as part of BC’s Restart Plan, with the goal of returning to full-time classes in September 2020, provided it is safe to do so.
A detailed list of advice and measures is here.
On March 18, the province declared a state of emergency to support the COVID-19 response.
Official site here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool here.
Getting help: If you recently returned from travel outside Canada or have symptoms—cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing:
Advice:
Alberta begins stage 1 of its reopening plan, though there are delays for some items for Calgary and Brooks, which includes:
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
On March 17, Alberta declared a public health emergency. A list of businesses deemed essential services can be found here.
Official site here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool here.
Getting help:
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has a dedicated, toll-free phone line for people who have general questions about the COVID-19 pandemic that are not health-specific: 1-855-559-5502 (for Regina residents: 306-787-8539) The line will be staffed 16 hours a day, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., by operators who will be able to answer questions or point people to information ranging from government services to travel restrictions.
COVID-19 public inquiry email at [email protected]. Members of the public with email inquiries can expect a response within 24 hours from the dedicated response team
If you fit the criteria of potential exposure, are exhibiting mild symptoms and suspect you may have COVID-19, you can obtain a referral to a community testing centre by phoning:
Advice:
In-class learning is suspended until at least September. For those students graduating this year, school divisions are working with graduates and staff to consider virtual graduation ceremonies and possible postponements as well, as public health orders remain which prevent more than 10 people from gathering together.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) will be initiating a phased resumption of health-care services on May 19, 2020. This process will start to reverse some of the service changes and reductions that had been initiated at earlier phases of the SHA’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan. On May 1, Saskatchewan updated the particulars in phase 1 of its reopening plan, which can be accessed here
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
On March 18, the Government of Saskatchewan declared a provincial State of Emergency, giving the government broad powers to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
A list of all the tools available for the public to ask questions, access information and obtain support during the COVID-19 pandemic is here.
Official site here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool here.
Getting help: Contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) if you’re experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus
Advice:
NEW: The draft plan for phase two of restoring services includes:
The reopening of the province will be a multi-phased process. As of May 4, a variety of non-essential health-care and retail businesses will have the option to reopen under strict guidelines:
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
On March 20, the government declared a state of emergency.
Official site for Ministry of Health here and Public Health Ontario is here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool is here.
Getting help:
Contact your primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 if you’re experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus.
Advice:
Ontario officially enters the first stage of its Framework for Reopening the Province on May 19.
As part of this initial stage, the government is permitting:
Ontario will not reopen its schools this school year. As well, summer overnight camps will not open this year.
The Ontario government is allowing certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Those permitted to start up include seasonal businesses and some essential construction projects.
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
On March 17, the government of Ontario has declared an emergency.
Official site here.
Getting help:
If you are worried about COVID‑19 or display symptoms such as a cough or fever, you can call toll free 418-644-4545 in the Quebec City region, 514-644-4545 in the Montreal area and 1-877-644-4545 elsewhere in Quebec.
If you have these symptoms:
Advice:
The province outlined its plan for opening schools; it is here with more information here as well as here, as well as details regarding daycares. As of May 4, access to various restricted areas will be relaxed. More information is here.
NEW: Recreational sports, leisure and outdoor activities carried out individually or in pairs, without physical contact, will be permitted outside starting on May 20.
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here, including a self-care guide.
On March 13, Quebec declared a health emergency.
Official site: here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool here.
Getting help: Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can:
(If they require an in-person assessment, a referral will be provided to the Community Assessment Centre in their area. Note: those centres are not walk-in clinics.)
Advice:
New Brunswick’s recovery plan and the loosening of some public health restrictions were announced on April 24.
NEW: The province is moving gradually into the Yellow level of its reopening plan, on May 22
As of May 22, two-household bubbles can be extended to close friends and family, while indoor gatherings should be limited to 10 people or fewer. As well, acupuncturists etc. are open, as are hair salons, manicurists etc.
As of March 25, restrictions will be implemented for all travellers arriving in New Brunswick from outside the province. Interprovincial travellers, like international travellers, will need to self-isolate for 14 days. All unnecessary travel into New Brunswick is prohibited, and peace officers are authorized to turn away visitors when they attempt to enter.
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
On March 19, the government declared a state of emergency.
Official site: here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool here.
Getting help:
Getting help: To find out if you need to call 811, use the COVID-19 online self-assessment. (Nova Scotia Health Authority has established COVID-19 assessment centres. If you need in-person assessment, 811 will refer you to a centre. Don’t go to a COVID-19 assessment centre unless 811 referred you.)
Advice:
NEW: The province has expanded the criteria for testing. If you have any one of the following symptoms, visit https://811.novascotia.ca to determine if you should call 811 for further assessment:
Nova Scotia introduced the following:
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
On March 22, Nova Scotia declared a provincial state of emergency
Anyone who has travelled outside of Nova Scotia must self-isolate for 14 days. If you have travelled outside of Nova Scotia, or been in close contact with someone who has travelled, and are experiencing fever or new cough, you should complete the online questionnaire before calling 811.
Official site here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool here.
Getting help:
Advice:
The province’s Renew PEI Together was unveiled on May 1. Details are here.
New: The province moves to Phase Two of Renew PEI, Together
What reopens:
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
The province has declared a state of public health emergency on March 16, and, on April 16, a state of emergency.
The government outlined plans for the remainder of the school year here
Starting April 1, everyone coming across the bridge are being stopped to determine if their travel to Prince Edward Island is considered essential based on guidelines set out by the Chief Public Health Officer earlier in the week. Non-Islanders travelling unnecessarily to the province for personal reasons will be asked to turn around.
Islanders returning to Prince Edward Island from domestic or international travel must self-isolate for 14 days. Exceptions are being made for essential workers, including truck drivers, airline crews, essential public and private sector worker in critical sectors, as well as on compassionate grounds.
Official site here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool here.
Mental health and wellness services are available here.
Getting help:
For anyone having issues or concerns regarding self-isolation, please call the Canadian Red Cross COVID-19 help line at 1-800-863-6582, available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Contact 811 if you develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing.
Advice:
On April 30, the Chief Medical Officer of Health today announced Newfoundland and Labrador’s plan for living with COVID-19. The plan, ‘A Foundation for Living with COVID-19’, includes five alert levels. Depending on which level the province is in, as determined by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, public health restrictions will be gradually relaxed. The province is currently in Alert Level 5.
On May 11, the province enters Alert Level 4. Alert Level 4 permits the gradual resumption of some activities and business operations, while maintaining certain public health measures to stop the spread of COVID-19
Schools will not reopen during the current school year.
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
On March 18, the Minister of Health and Community Services declared COVID-19 a public health emergency.
Anyone arriving to the province from outside of Newfoundland and Labrador on or after March 20, 2020 is required to self-isolate for 14 days after their arrival.
Official site here.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool here.
Getting help: phone 811 or your health provider (Do not go to an emergency department, family doctor, walk-in clinic or your local health centre without calling 811 first).
Call the COVID-19 InfoLine at 877-374-0425 for non-medical COVID-19 information in Yukon.
Advice:
The government releases its reopening plan, A Path Forward. The territory is in Phase 1 (restart), which allows:
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
On March 18, the government declared a public health emergency.
Civil Emergency Measures Act (CEMA) Enforcement Officers have been placed at Yukon borders and at the Whitehorse airport as a measure to ensure that all travellers have the information they need to keep themselves and Yukoners safe from the spread of COVID-19.
These Government of Yukon enforcement officers will be collecting contact information from all travellers coming through Yukon or returning home, details of their 14-day self-isolation plans, and declarations of any symptoms of COVID-19. This information will allow CEMA Enforcement Officers to follow up and ensure that travellers are following self-isolation rules.
Specific information on the various public health orders, now enforceable under the Civil Emergency Measures Act, including requirements on travellers entering Yukon, as well as guidelines for critical, essential and non-essential service workers, is here
Non-essential travel outside of territory and into rural Yukon. We advise that:
ADVICE FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
Self-isolation
Anyone arriving by air or road has to self-isolate for 14 days, including travel from:
Official site here.
Getting help: For questions on self-isolation and travel restrictions, contact [email protected] or call 1-833-378-8297. Tell your health care provider if you have symptoms.
Advice:
The Emerging Wisely Plan moves into its relaxing phase one, which includes:
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
On March 18, the government declared a territory-wide Public Health Emergency under the Northwest Territories Public Health Act.
The NWT Chief Public Health Officer has prohibited all travel into the NWT by non-residents. Import/export workers are, however, exempted from the travel ban.
If you develop fever, cough, or other flu-like symptoms during this time period, contact the following:
They will talk with you about your symptoms, and advise you what to do next. Do not go in without calling.
Official site here.
Getting help: call your local health centre.
COVID-19 self-assessment tool is here
Advice:
A detailed list of advice and measures being introduced, as well as advice to travellers and other resources is here.
On March 18, the government declared a public health emergency.
Strict travel restrictions to Nunavut is in place. Only residents and critical workers can travel into the territory. Everyone except critical workers with written permission from the Chief Public Health Officer must be in a mandatory 14-day isolation period in the south before they can board a plane to come to Nunavut. This includes residents and students.
Ongoing health services:
All public gatherings are now banned, and all playgrounds and municipal parks are now closed.
If you become ill:
If you develop symptoms and have travelled to a region with known cases of COVID-19 occurring in the community or have been in contact with someone who has:
If you develop fever, cough or difficulty breathing in the next 14 days, call your health care provider or local public health authority and advise them of possible contact with COVID-19.
If you are ill and must visit a health care professional, call ahead or tell them when you arrive that you have a respiratory illness and if you have travelled.