What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses in people. COVID-19 is a new strain of this type of virus that has not previously been seen in humans. This means that people do not have immunity against it, and we have no specific vaccine or treatment for it.

Coronaviruses are spread by small droplets from the nose and mouth. They are NOT spread through the air over long distances and times.

Symptoms

Common Symptoms include dry cough, fever, or fatigue. More serious symptoms include difficulty breathing or pneumonia.

If you have symptoms, stay home and self isolate.

Prevent the Spread

What you can do:

1. Practice Social Distancing

Social distancing is the term used to describe types of actions you can take to reduce the number of people you come in contact with. This helps reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading COVID-19.
This is NOT the same as self-isolation and you do not need to stay indoors. It is about avoiding close contact with other people.

Learn more about social distancing here

2. Stay Home If You Are Sick

You should self-isolate for 14 days if you:

  • have recently returned from travel outside Canada
  • have a cough, fever, fatigue and/or difficulty breathing
  • are in close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • have been advised by a health care professional for another reason

Learn more about self-isolation

3. Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and using proper technique. A good trick is to sing “Happy Birthday” twice! Use hand sanitizer when not able to wash.

How to wash your hands

4. Cover Coughs and Sneezes

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Wash or sanitize your hands after coughing or sneezing.

How to cover your cough

5. Avoid Touching Your Face

Although difficult, do your best to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

6. Resources

See the links below for more information on how you can help prevent the spread:

Information for Albertans

More information on COVID-19 can be found at the resources below: