COVID-19

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Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available for high-risk residents by early October and for everyone six months of age and older starting October 27, 2025.

 

In late 2019, a novel coronavirus emerged, which led to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health measures were taken to reduce virus spread and Toronto Public Health continues to recommend using layers of protection.

Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines is the most effective measure as vaccines significantly lower the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19.

Like other respiratory viruses, COVID-19 is typically spread through respiratory droplets when people who are sick with the virus cough, sneeze, or talk near people who are within two meters. It has also been found that some respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, can spread through very small droplets called aerosols, which can hang in the air for longer periods of time. Less commonly, a person may also get COVID-19 when they touch a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touch their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptoms

COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses share common symptoms, including:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Runny nose or congestion
  • Headache
  • Feeling tired
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle aches or pain

Stay Home if You Are Sick

If you have symptoms, you should:

  • Stay home, whether you have tested or not, and wear a mask if you need to go out.
  • Notify close contacts, especially if they are at higher risk for getting very sick.
  • Stay home until you have no fever and symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if you have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhea).

When your symptoms have improved, it is recommended to:

  • Continue to use layers of protection including wearing a mask to reduce virus spread.
  • Avoid non-essential visits to higher risk people (e.g. seniors) and settings (e.g., hospitals, long-term care) for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
  • Follow any relevant workplace guidance on returning to work.

Close Contacts

If you have been told you are a close contact, you do not need to stay home unless you develop symptoms. For 10 days from the last day you saw the person with COVID-19, you should:

  • Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. If you develop symptoms, stay home right away.
  • Wear a mask when out in public.
  • Avoid non-essential visits to higher risk people (e.g. seniors) and settings (e.g., hospitals, long-term care).
  • Follow any relevant workplace guidance.

      The COVID-19 vaccine is available for everyone six months of age and older. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is important, especially for those at higher risk of getting very sick. It takes at least two weeks after getting vaccinated to be protected. It is safe and convenient to get your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, before or after a flu vaccine, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunization, or any other routine vaccines.

      While vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and others, there are more steps we can all take to reduce virus spread. Using layers of protection will help protect you, loved ones and those most vulnerable in our community, such as young children and the elderly.

      Testing

      COVID-19 testing is available for eligible individuals. To find out if you are eligible, see the provincial webpage or contact your health care provider.

      Expired Rapid Antigen Tests

      Using an expired COVID-19 test can lead to unreliable and inaccurate results. Toronto Public Health recommends disposing rapid tests if they have expired.

      Treatment

      Antiviral treatments for COVID-19 can prevent serious illness if taken soon after symptoms start. Treatment is available for eligible individuals. To find out if you are eligible, see the provincial webpage or contact your health care provider.

      Seeking Medical Care

      Seek medical care if your symptoms feel worse than a common cold by calling your health care provider or 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007). If your symptoms are severe, seek immediate medical attention.

      Post COVID Condition (Long COVID)

      Post COVID-19 condition is when the symptoms of COVID-19 persist for more than 12 weeks after the infection. It’s also known as long COVID and can affect both adults and children.

      If you are caring for or living with someone who has COVID-19: