COVID-19 activity remains relatively steady in the province. As we move into the winter season where people will spend more time indoors, the Provincial Government is reminding residents of the current guidance for people with COVID-19.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another respiratory illness, stay at home until your symptoms have improved and you haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours. For 10 days after your symptoms started, you should:

• Wear a mask outside your household.
• Avoid non-essential visits to high-risk areas, including hospitals, long-term care homes, large crowded settings and social gatherings.
• Avoid non-essential close contact with high-risk individuals, including those with chronic conditions, compromised immune systems and older adults.

This year, Public Health is anticipating an active influenza season that will combine and interact with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other circulating viruses. To minimize the impact of these viruses this winter, Public Health encourages residents of the province to get the influenza vaccine, and ensure COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date. Both vaccines are proven to be safe and effective ways of reducing the spread of influenza and COVID-19, and the incidence of severe disease from these viruses. Residents five years of age and older can receive both vaccines simultaneously.

Appointments can be made through participating pharmacists and physicians. Additionally, appointments can be booked through regional health authority clinics by visiting www.timefortheshot.ca/vaccines. You may need to check periodically for walk-in clinics and availability of appointments.

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