People with compromised immune systems or pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer, may be at increased risk of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) and increased risk of more severe infection.
Contact your doctor or healthcare team
If you are receiving cancer treatment and develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing, contact your oncologist or a member of your healthcare team, as you usually would when you develop any side effect while on treatment.
Prevention
Cancer patients should follow the same recommendations as the general population
- If you feel sick, stay at home and limit contact with others
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand.
- Dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean the following high-touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water):
– toys
– toilets
– phones
– electronics
– door handles
– bedside tables
– television remotes
Wearing masks
Medical masks, including surgical, medical procedure face masks and respirators (like N95 masks), must be kept for health care workers and others providing direct care to COVID-19 patients.
Wearing a non-medical mask or face covering while out in public is recommended for periods of time when it is not possible to consistently maintain a 2-metre physical distance from others, particularly in crowded public settings, such as:
- stores
- shopping areas
- public transportation
Public health officials will make recommendations based on a number of factors, including the rates of infection and/or transmission in the community. Recommendations may vary from location to location.
If you do choose to wear one, refer to the:
- guidelines on wearing non-medical masks and how to make your own
- COVID-19 Special Advisory Committee‘s recommendations on the use of non-medical cloth masks or face coverings in community settings
Masks alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. You must consistently and strictly adhere to good hygiene and public health measures, including frequent hand washing and physical (social) distancing.
Public Health Agency of Canada
More details and latest updates on COVID-19 visit Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Authorities by province or territory
To learn more about COVID-19 in your province or territory click on this link (scroll down to the bottom of the page for a list of phone numbers and website links).
June 3, 2020
