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.
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.
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
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.
More details and latest updates on COVID-19 visit Public Health Agency of Canada
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