In response to the need for enhanced protection against the new more transmissible COVID-19 variants of concern (VOC), the Ministry of Health has introduced stricter self-isolation and school screening requirements.
Enhanced self-isolation requirements are in place for all household contacts of individuals who have even one symptom of COVID-19.
Under the new guidance, all household members of an individual with even one symptom of COVID-19 are required to stay home and self-isolate until the individual with symptoms receives a negative COVID-19 test result or receives an alternate diagnosis by a health-care professional.
If the individual with symptoms does not seek COVID-19 testing, all household contacts must isolate for 14 days from their last contact with that symptomatic individual.
The provincial COVID 19 self-assessment and COVID-19 school and child-care screener have been updated to include this change and also require anyone who has a new or worsening symptom of COVID-19 — even if only one symptom — to stay home and self-isolate, again until they receive a negative COVID-19 test result, an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional or it has been 10 days since their symptom started and they are feeling better.
“By taking these additional measures, we can better protect our community from the very real threat posed by COVID-19 variants of concern,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, medical officer of health with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.
“The success of enhanced public health guidance for screening and self-isolation relies on everyone’s co-operation. We recognize the impact these requirements can have on individuals and families, but the consequences of variants of concern gaining a foothold in our communities warrants decisive action. These decisions are not made lightly.”
