COVID-19 Risk Assessment Tool

As you use this risk assessment tool, including the simple questionnaire at the end, the following four words should guide you: People, Space, Time, and Place.

Transmission of COVID-19

COVID-19 is easily spread in respiratory droplets by coughing or sneezing. COVID-19 can also be passed along if you touch something contaminated with the virus and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after a person becomes infected with COVID-19 virus. Some people who get infected with COVID-19 may have mild symptoms or not be sick at all. However, they can still spread the disease to others.

Those at increased Risk

If you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you can move about more. This includes increasing your social interactions, going out for groceries and other necessities, and resuming other activities you did prior to the pandemic. Make sure you maintain physical distancing, wear a mask, and wash your hands. In communities where there is a low spread of COVID-19 and the full school reopening model is in effect, attendance at school is recommended for all children and youth including those with immunocompromising conditions who would usually attend school.

If you are ill

Even though you have done your best to avoid COVID-19, you may become infected. If you are worried you may have COVID-19:

Reduce COVID-19 Risk

Everyone has a role to play in reducing the spread of disease and keeping our community healthy. You can help by:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use a Health Canada approved hand sanitizer (these often contain at least 60 percent alcohol), when soap and water are not available.
  • Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing and sneezing and immediately dispose of used tissues in the trash.
  • Practicing physical distancing of 2 metres.
  • Wearing a non-medical (i.e., cloth) mask when in indoor public places and workplaces.
  • Following public health guidelines.

COVID-19 Risk & Your Environment/Setting

Being able to distinguish between higher and lower COVID -19 risk situations should help you make good decisions. An example of a high-risk setting for COVID-19 transmission is a group activity in an indoor enclosed space for a prolonged period of close contact. The risk associated with a setting that fits this description can be reduced by moving the event outside, increasing natural or mechanical ventilation inside, shortening the duration of the event, physically distancing and/or wearing a non-medical mask.

It is important to make decisions using reliable and up-to-date information.


COVID-19 Risk Questionnaire

As you use this risk assessment tool, including the simple questionnaire at the end, the following four words should guide you: People, Space, Time, and Place.

People

Are you planning to interact with many people in your setting?

Interacting with more people raises the risk of spread of COVID-19. Consider reducing the number of people you interact with.

Time

Will the contact you have with other people be prolonged?

(Prolonged contact is defined as greater than 15 minutes.)

If you answered yes, you are at a higher risk of COVID-19 and you should consider reducing the time you spend interacting with people not in your social bubble.

Place

Will you be interacting with others in an indoor setting?

If yes, you are at a higher risk of COVID-19. Interactions in an indoor setting are of greater risk than interactions taking place outdoors. Where possible, interact with other people outdoors. If the setting must be indoors, practice physical distancing and wear a non-medical mask.

High-Risk Groups

Are you considered to be in a high risk group or do you live with a person who is in a high risk group?

If you answered yes, and have not received two doses of vaccine, you should consider limiting your interactions to a small number of people, preferably outdoors, avoid close interactions with others, physical distance, wear a non-medical mask and wash your hands frequently.

Learn more about who is at high risk