COVID-19 Basics

COVID-19 Basics

A harmful virus called COVID-19 (also called coronavirus) is spreading around the world. Everyone can take steps to reduce the spread of the virus in Manitoba communities.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a virus that can make people sick. Symptoms can be mild, like a fever, a cough, runny nose or sore throat. Some people lose their sense of taste or smell.

Other symptoms can be serious, like breathing problems. Some people die from COVID-19.

Who is at risk of COVID-19?

Some people will have only mild symptoms. Others might get very sick. Those at higher risk of developing more serious symptoms are:

• people who are 60 years of age and older
• people living with chronic health conditions (like diabetes, heart, kidney or chronic lung conditions)
• people with weakened immune systems (such as people with cancer)

How can people get COVID-19?

COVID-19 is spread through close (less than two metres) contact for more than 15 minutes in crowded, indoor places. It is not easily spread through short contact, such as passing someone in a store or a hallway.

You can also get COVID-19 by touching a surface. Washing your hands often can reduce the risk.

Get tested when you have symptoms

Testing is important to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you are feeling sick, even if only little sick, and have any symptoms please get tested.

How to reduce your chance of becoming infected

You can protect yourself and the people around you. Follow public health orders and public health advice.

This includes avoiding being indoors with people who don’t live in your house.

You can also:

• Stay home when you are sick, even if you are only a little sick.
• If you are sick, isolate from other people in your household and get tested.
• Follow public health advice for self-isolating and monitoring.
• Stay away from people who don’t live with you. This is called physical distancing.
• Wash your hands for at least 15 seconds using soap and warm water. If you cannot wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash your hands when:
• coming to or leaving a new place
• after using the bathroom
• before, during and after handling food
• before eating or sharing items
• after changing a diaper

If you get sick

If you have mild symptoms of COVID-19, stay home. Stay away from other people and get lots of rest. If you have serious symptoms, you may need to call a doctor or go to the hospital.

Resources

• COVID-19 Basics
• Help stop the spread of COVID-19 (Handout)
• Help stop the spread of COVID-19 (Poster)
• COVID-19 Vaccine
• Wearing a Mask
• Cough Etiquette Poster
• Hand Hygiene Poster

COVID-19 Basics

COVID-19 Basics - English