How to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection to household contacts or the community

The person who is sick should:

• Self-isolate while they are sick and not go to work, school or other public areas until they no longer have symptoms of the disease and are feeling well enough to return to normal activities and have been given permission by their health care provider to do so
• Limit their contact with others, as much as possible – this includes household members and visitors.
• Stay in a room by themselves, including sleeping at night if possible.
• Be separated from others in the household. If they cannot be separated, they should follow respiratory etiquette, especially while others are in the same room.
• Flush toilet with the lid down – the virus may also be present in stool.

People in the household should:

• Do not share toothbrushes, cigarettes, eating utensils, drinks, towels, washcloths or bed linen.

The household:

• Shared spaces (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms) should be kept well ventilated, if possible.
• Avoid handling items used or touched by the patient.
• Dishes and eating utensils should be cleaned with soap and water after use.
• High-touch areas such as toilets, bedside tables and door handles should be cleaned daily using regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water); clothes, handkerchiefs and bedclothes of the case can be cleaned using regular laundry soap and water (60-90°C). Use disposable gloves and protective clothing (e.g. plastic aprons, if available) when cleaning or handling surfaces, clothing, or linen soiled with bodily fluids.

How to care for the case in the home setting as safely as possible

For caregivers and others sharing the home environment:

• If direct contact care (care that involves touching the patient) must be provided, the patient should wear a face mask and follow respiratory etiquette.
• The caregiver providing direct contact care to the patient should also wear a face mask and eye protection when within two meters of the patient and perform hand hygiene after contact.
• Masks should not be touched or handled during use. If the mask gets wet or dirty with fluid, it should be changed immediately. After discarding the mask, hand hygiene should be performed.
• Direct contact with body fluids, particularly oral, and respiratory secretions should be avoided. Use disposable gloves to provide oral or respiratory care, and when handling stool, urine and waste, if possible. Perform hand hygiene following all contact.
• Anyone who is at higher risk of developing complications from infection should avoid caring for or coming in close contact with the patient. This includes people with underlying chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.
• Persons caring for a patient should limit their contact with other people as much as possible and monitor themselves for any signs of illness for 14 days from last close contact with the case and report new or worsening symptoms to a health care provider.

Where and when to seek medical attention?

If you, the patient and/or your family or household members need additional care, contact your usual health care provider (e.g. family doctor) or call ahead and go to an urgent care center or emergency department.