Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

On December 31, 2019, Chinese health authorities identified a new (or novel) coronavirus (referred to as 2019-nCoV) through a series of reported cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China.

Ontario is working with its partners in the health care system implementing a robust plan to monitor for, detect and, if needed, isolate any cases the Wuhan novel coronavirus. The Ministry of Health is taking several steps to ensure the health and safety of Ontarians. This includes:

• monitoring hospitals for potential cases of the virus in individuals with travel history to Wuhan, China
• adding novel coronavirus as a designated disease reportable under Ontario's public health legislation, enabling local public health units to quickly and effectively take all necessary measures to investigate, complete lab tests and do case and contact management to prevent and control further spread of the infection
• ongoing planning with federal and provincial/territorial partners and readiness to coordinate with other provinces/territories if the virus is identified in Ontario
• promoting awareness and providing guidance to health care providers
• closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Public Health Ontario and Public Health Agency of Canada
• meeting with hospitals, paramedics and local public health units near Pearson International Airport to provide further information on the federal border screening measures

Symptoms range from common to severe respiratory illnesses and include:

• fever
• cough
• difficulty breathing
• pneumonia and kidney failure

In severe cases, death can be an outcome.

To reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses, including coronaviruses, you should follow usual health precautions such as:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Stay home when you are ill.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you are travelling to an area known to have cases of coronavirus, be sure to avoid:

• high-risk areas such as farms, live animal markets and areas where animals may be slaughtered
• contact with animals (alive or dead), including pigs, chickens, ducks and wild birds
• surfaces with animal droppings or secretions on them

There are no specific treatments for coronaviruses, and there is no vaccine that protects against coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own.
If symptoms feel worse than a standard cold, see your health care practitioner. They can relieve symptoms by prescribing a pain or fever medication.
You should also:

• drink plenty of fluids
• get rest and sleep as much as possible
• try a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough

This is for reference only and not to take the place of medical advice. Please consult your Physician, Public Health Unit or Telehealth: 1-866-797-0000. 

For further information please visit: www.ontario.ca/page/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov?fbclid=IwAR1B9tMtwSIhW8coSnC7pgs8HYMw0fQrRXRTl-7jRz0SUDD4VE0SARarry0