COVID-19 FAQ

Frequently asked questions about COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) In January 2020, a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified as the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia originating in Wuhan, China. The situation is rapidly evolving and Public Health Ontario, along with the Ministry of Health, is closely monitoring the outbreak, conducting surveillance and appropriate laboratory testing, and providing public health and infection control guidance. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that originate in animals but are known to cause respiratory illness in humans, particularly during the fall and winter months. Other novel coronaviruses have included Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV).

Who is at risk?

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada. Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available. The risk to Canadian travellers abroad is generally low but will vary depending on the destination. The Public Health Agency of Canada is closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in other countries. Please consult the destination page on travel.gc.ca for the latest travel advice. It is important for all travellers to monitor their health when they return to Canada. While abroad, you may have come in contact with the novel coronavirus. PHAC asks that you monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing for 14 days after you arrive in Canada. If you have these symptoms, call the public health authority in the province or territory you are in to inform them. They will provide advice on what you should do. The risk of more severe illness may be higher for individuals with weakened immune systems such as older people or chronic diseases such as diabetes, or heart, renal or chronic lung disease.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms range from common to severe respiratory illnesses and include:

• fever
• cough
• difficulty breathing

Many of these symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza. Should you experience these symptoms AND have recently travelled internationally to an affected region, avoid contact with others and follow-up with your health care professional. In advance of attending a clinic advise them of your symptoms and travel history.

What can I do to protect myself?

Continue to practise good hand washing techniques and hygiene practices.
As is the usual best practice, we encourage students and staff to:

• Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when needed
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow
• If you sick with a cold or the flu stay home

Should students and teachers come to school?

All classes at ILAC and ILAC International College in Toronto and Vancouver will be held online from March 16^th until March 30^th, or until further notice. All additional activities, including orientations and trips, are being postponed.

If you have recently arrived from another country, please self-isolate for a period of 14 days.

If you are planning come to Canada, please be advised that Canada has closed its borders to foreign travellers to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

What if I am concerned with someone that is exhibiting symptoms?

If you are concerned about someone in the workplace who is ill and exhibiting flu-like symptoms or have concerns about safety in your workplace, speak to your Manager if you are staff and Staff member (Teacher or Student Services) if you are a student. Managers are advised to contact the HR Office. Employees who are ill with flu-like symptoms should advise their Manager, stay home and seek out medical advice accordingly

What if I’ve recently travelled or plan to travel?

If you are planning to travel, please consult the Government of Canada website for travel advice and advisories related to COVID-19. Please be advised that Canada has closed its borders to foreign travellers to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Students who are planning to travel outside of Canada are encouraged to:

Consult with your travel agency or service provider in order to determine if there are any restrictions or limitations. You may also wish to inquire into travel cancellation or re-booking.
Let Student Services at ILAC know you will be travelling, your dates and location.

What does self-isolation mean?

Self-isolation means staying home. Do not use public transportation, taxis, or rideshares, attend work, school or other public places. Contact with others should be limited as much as possible.

How to self-isolate.