social distancing and self-isolation: a guideline to what they mean

by jacquie millermayor jim watson says he was upset on the weekend to see a bunch of kids playing together at a park.federal health minister patty hajdu warns that people who ignore orders to isolate themselves at home for 14 days after travelling outside canada could face fines or criminal penalties.and a frustrated-sounding prime minister justin trudeau bluntly told all canadians on monday to “go home and stay home.”following advice from public health authorities will help protect everyone from the spread of covid-19. but it’s not always easy to keep track of the latest advice on both social distancing and self-isolation. here’s a rundown of the latest guidance in ontario.

social distancing

everyone, from children to adults, should stay home. only essential trips should be made. don’t gather in groups. keep two metres — about six feet — away from others.going outside is ok, as long as you keep those distances and don’t gather in groups.trudeau said in his briefing monday that some canadians are putting both themselves and others at risk by ignoring this advice. we’ve all seen the pictures, he said, mentioning groups of people gathering outside in the sun.“enough is enough,” he said. “go home and stay home.”as for what is an essential shopping trip, hajdu defined that monday as groceries, pharmacies and the post office. check if delivery is available, she said.premier doug ford announced that all non-essential businesses will have to close tuesday at midnight. which businesses are considered essential will be announced on tuesday.many businesses in ottawa have shut down of their own accord, and indoor recreational facilities, arenas, gyms, swimming pools, libraries, community centres and restaurants (except for takeout and delivery) have already been ordered closed.ottawa’s medical officer of health dr. vera etches added this advice on the weekend:“while we appreciate that people are thinking of their loved ones, now is not the time to visit them in person. avoid visiting elderly friends or relatives. use the telephone, video chats or social media to stay connected unless the visit is absolutely essential.”ottawa public health advises against play dates or sleepovers for the kids, house parties, group hangouts or weddings.“spend time outside and in settings where people can maintain a two-metre (six feet) distance from each other.”

self-isolation

those who should self-isolate for 14 days include anyone who has travelled outside canada or who lives with, provides care for or has “spent extensive time” with someone who has covid-19, is suspected of having it or who has respiratory symptoms (fever, cough of shortness of breath) that started within 14 days of travel outside of canada.anyone returning from outside the country, such as those returning from march break or snowbirds, must self-isolate for 14 days at home. ford said he’s heard reports of people arriving back in canada from trips and going directly from the airport to the grocery store.“it’s unacceptable,” he said. “if you are coming from the airport do not, i repeat do not, stop at a store. go directly home and self-isolate for 14 days … go directly home and stay in your house because you are putting your grandchildren at risk, you are putting yourself at risk and you are putting thousands and thousands of people at risk.”people should not take public transit home from the airport, says ottawa public health. if you must take a taxi or ride-share, keep the windows open. likewise, people in self-isolation should not use public transportation, taxis or rideshares. do not go to work, school or other public places.ask someone else who is not in self-isolation to get supplies, have them delivered or,if neither of option is available, “get supplies during off-peak hours and remain two metres (six feet) away from others,” says ottawa public health. however, people in self-isolation can still go outside totake a walk or walk their dog but “make sure to avoid crowds and maintain a distance of two metres (six feet) from others.”while self-isolating, only have necessary visitors, keep visits short and keep away from seniors and people with chronic medical conditions.people who are self-isolating must also keep away from other people in their household — in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if possible. if you are in a room with others, make sure the room has good airflow (open windows), keep two metres away and wear a mask.public health also has advice for cleaning, disinfecting and laundry, including cleaning “high-touch” areas like counters, toilets, sink tap handles, tabletops, doorknobs, tv remotes, phones, and bedside tables daily using regular household cleaners.jmiller@postmedia.com | twitter.com/jacquieamiller