Please know that Emergency Departments are under direction to only test people for COVID-19 that meet certain criteria. If you think you have COVID-19, contact the Region of Waterloo Public Health 519-575-4400 or call your family doctor before visiting the Emergency Department. Keep up to date with the latest information in the Waterloo Region:https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/2019-novel-coronavirus.aspx -
What is Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH) doing to prevent infection?
CMH's priority is the safety and security of our patients, staff, physicians and volunteers. We have strong infection prevention and control protocols in place that will guide our decisions as this disease progresses. At this time, we are closely monitoring COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), working with our partner organizations, Public Health and government agencies. We are prepared to respond as needed.
Staff at the hospital are screening patients for COVID-19 and based on their travel history, may arrange for testing. While the risk to Ontarians is low, we are taking these precautions and working with our partners like Waterloo Region Public Health to ensure a safe environment for all.
How is CMH staff screening potential cases?
Staff will ask you about:
- Signs and symptoms of respiratory illness (e.g., fever, difficulty breathing, worsening cough, etc.)Fever
AND
- Travel to or close contact with someone who has travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms
- Close contact with a confirmed or probable case of coronavirus
How can I avoid COVID-19?
There is no vaccine. Natural health products will not protect you. Prevention is your safest option:
- Keep at least six feet away from everyone. (Droplets that contain the virus can travel up to six feet.)
- Wash your hands OFTEN, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60%.
- Do NOT touch your face with unwashed hands.
- Stay away from anyone who is sick.
- If you are sick, stay at home and self-isolate.
- There’s no evidence to support the idea that a cheap mask could offer protection. Virus particles are incredibly small and could slip through the mask anyway.
Who is at risk of COVID-19?
- Anyone aged 65 or older.
- Anyone with a compromised immune system.
- Anyone with underlying medical conditions.
How can I tell if I have COVID-19, the flu, or a cold?
Symptoms can look the same as the seasonal flu or common cold: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, pneumonia. Or, you might not have any symptoms. Studies show that in children, the symptoms are milder and slightly different than adults. They may have a sore throat, diarrhea, or a runny or stuffy nose.
Symptoms may appear within two (2) days and up to 14 days following exposure. This is why there is a 14-day isolation period for those at risk of getting the disease.
