Prevention & Protection

COVID-19

Protection from COVID-19 through Immunization

The best thing you can do to support your health and reduce the risk to the broader community is to get immunized. Vaccines are our best protection against COVID-19 and the safest and most effective way to protect against infection and severe illness.

COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at preventing infection and severe disease. If you have not been immunized yet, book your immunization appointment as soon as possible.

Learn more at COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions.

Wearing Masks

While masking is no longer mandatory in most public spaces, all AHS sites including acute care, continuing care and community locations, including immunization and lab collection sites province-wide will still require masking.

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are also recommended to wear a mask while indoors and around other people. You should wear a mask for 10 days after your symptoms start.

Close contacts of a case of COVID-19 are recommended to avoid contact with people at risk of severe outcomes. If this contact can’t be avoided, you are recommended to wear a mask during your interactions for 7 days after your exposure.

People at risk of severe outcomes are recommended to wear medical masks when in settings with people outside of their household.

Learn more about masking, including how to wear and care for your mask.

Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Monitoring for Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to influenza and other respiratory illnesses and can range from mild to severe. People with mild symptoms can still spread COVID-19 to others.

If you have any symptoms, we recommend you stay home and away from others and use the COVID-19 Assessment & Testing Tool to help you decide if you should talk to someone about your symptoms, for advice on managing mild symptoms, or are eligible for a COVID-19 test.

Rapid antigen tests are available for free at participating pharmacies. Find a pharmacy near you.

Find out if you are eligible for PCR testing at an AHS Assessment Centre.

Learn more about managing mild symptoms at home at COVID-19 Self-Care Guide.

Quarantine Still Required After International Travel

People who have returned from travel outside of Canada within the last 14 days must follow the Government of Canada rules for quarantine.