Have COVID-19 Symptoms? Stay Home and Get Tested!
Written by Communications, May 21, 2020
Front-line Workers Encouraged to Self-Monitor and Seek Out Testing if Symptomatic
As the province enters Phase One of its reopening plan, Peterborough Public Health encourages all residents to get tested if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, especially if they are front-line workers.
“Our local healthcare system has plenty of capacity to test residents with symptoms in our community, either at the PRHC Assessment Centre or in their homes by the Peterborough Paramedics if required,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “With more businesses and services reopening, it is particularly important for those resuming their front-line roles to watch for symptoms and stay home if any develop. Instead, they should get tested as soon as possible.”
The most current list of COVID-19 symptoms includes:
- Fever (greater than 38°C/ 100°F)
- new or worsening cough
- shortness of breath
- difficulty breathing
- sore throat
- headaches
- diarrhea
- chills
- runny nose/nasal congestion without other known cause
- nausea/vomiting
- pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- difficulty swallowing
- unexplained fatigue/malaise/muscle aches
- abdominal pain
- decrease or loss of sense of smell or taste
Dr. Salvaterra noted that testing is available and encouraged for anyone who has symptoms. For those who work in a public-facing capacity, she recommended checking their temperature daily, and at the first sign of illness, stay at home, and not go to work.
If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate, and then use Ontario’s Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care. If you need further assistance, call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 or the Peterborough Regional Health Centre COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-876-5086.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391