This announced was made on Wednesday by Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore at a press briefing.
“The main guidance now for the fall has to apply to all respiratory illnesses. So we need to have an approach that will decrease the transmission of RSV, influenza and COVID,” Moore said.
Moore noted that the ‘general advice’ is to stay at home when sick with any sort of virus or sickness.
He also highlighted that this news applies to the general public but for those working and living in high-risk facilities like long-term care and acute care facilities a ten day isolation period will still be in effect.
Moore confirmed at the press briefing that this announcement means those testing positive for COVID-19 can return to school or work if they are no longer experiencing symptoms, but individuals should continue to wear a mask in public for ten days from symptom onset.
He also noted that with a return to school and weather changing, Ontario is entering respiratory virus season.
Proper handwashing, improved ventilation in schools and workplaces and increased precautions should help prevent all respiratory viruses.
