COVID 19 self-assessment screening tool for Toronto-area residents.
NEW: Vaccination - now available at NYGH - book HERE
I’m pregnant or breast/chestfeeding. Should I get the vaccine?
What is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact, for example, in a household, workplace or health care centre. Some human coronaviruses spread easily between people, while others do not.
The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) causes a respiratory infection that originated in Hubei province (Wuhan) China in late 2019. Find out more here.
Risks in pregnancy and to newborns:
Because both pregnant people and newborns have increased susceptibility to respiratory infections (like the flu), we recommend that clients exercise additional precautions to limit potential exposure, including social-distancing and self-isolation, if necessary.
As of March 14th, all individuals who have recently travelled outside of Canada have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
If you are experiencing symptoms, have recently travelled outside of Canada or are living in the same household as someone who has recently travelled, please follow this link for self-assessment and contact our clinic for further information. Your midwife will be in touch as soon as possible to review next steps and establish a personalized care plan. Working collaboratively with our clients, other care providers and our midwives and staff to maintain the health and safety of our clients and their families is our top priority.
How will my pregnancy be affected by COVID-19?
Click here for the latest guidance from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada and here for an excellent breakdown of what we know and don’t know about the effects of COVD-19 in the prenatal, labour, birth and postpartum periods.
How to best protect yourselves and your families:
Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
If soap and water are not available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash, and washing your hands
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
Staying home when you are sick
Risk Level to Canadians: High
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada the public health risk linked to COVID-19 is High for Canada.
Status of Cases in Ontario
The Ministry of Health updates their website twice daily at 10:30am EST with the most up-to-date information on the status of cases in Ontario.
How Ontario, your local hospitals & clinics, are preparing:
Ontario is working with its partners in the health care system implementing a plan to monitor for, detect and, if needed, isolate any cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus. The Ministry of Health is taking several steps to ensure the health and safety of Ontarians.
