How to stay safe as Ontario reopens: Dr. Janine McCready, infectious diseases physician, suggests asking yourself these five questions

As new cases of COVID-19 stabilize in Ontario, the province is gradually reopening businesses, services and public spaces and loosening restrictions on gatherings. But just because certain activities are now permitted, should you participate? According to Dr. Janine McCready, infectious diseases physician at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), this depends in part on your individual risk assessment and tolerability.

Does anyone have symptoms?

The first thing you should ask is if you or anyone you plan on seeing has symptoms of COVID-19.

“We are so used to functioning when we are sick,” says Dr. McCready. “But right now if anyone is experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 you should immediately cancel your plans and that individual should self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19.”

Are you or anyone in your household vulnerable?

If you, members of your household or individuals you plan on seeing are vulnerable, you may want to pause and consider the necessity of close contact and expanding your social circle. Vulnerable populations include seniors and individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer.

How active is COVID-19 in your area?

Understanding the prevalence of COVID-19 in your area will help you assess the risk of community transmission. If you live in a COVID-19 ‘hot spot’ or cases are rising in your area you’ll want to be more vigilant when it comes to activities in your community and being around others.

What activity are you doing?

In general, Dr. McCready recommends avoiding crowds, close contact and closed spaces. Get together outside, stay six feet apart and avoid touching common objects. Even as parts of Ontario enter stage three of reopening, physical distancing between people from different households and social circles still applies.

What can you do to mitigate the risk?

When you’re not able to physically distance, wear a mask or a faceshield. Dr. McCready recommends always having a mask and hand sanitizer on you in case you find yourself in a situation where you need them.

As an added measure, Dr. McCready suggests keeping a log of the places you visit and people you see. That way if you are exposed or get COVID-19, you can provide that information to public health to expedite contact tracing and mitigate spread.

It is important to remember that even though Ontario’s economy is reopening, COVID-19 is not gone. By reintegrating safely and continuing to be vigilant, we can continue to enjoy some return to normalcy as Ontario reopens.