What does physical distancing mean

This means making changes in your everyday routines in order to minimize close contact with others, including:

• avoiding crowded places and gatherings
• avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
• limiting contact with people at higher risk (e.g. older adults and those in poor health)
• keeping a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, as much as possible

Here’s how you can practise physical distancing

• greet with a wave instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug
• stay home as much as possible, including for meals and entertainment
• grocery shop once per week
• take public transportation during off-peak hours
• conduct virtual meetings
• host virtual playdates for your kids
• use technology to keep in touch with friends and family

If possible,

• use food delivery services or online shopping
• exercise at home or outside
• work from home

Remember to

• wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face
• cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm
• avoid touching surfaces people touch often
• self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 including:
  • cough
  • fever
  • difficulty breathing

If you’re concerned you may have COVID-19

• separate yourself from others as soon as you have symptoms
• if you are outside the home when a symptom develops, go home immediately and avoid taking public transit
• stay home and follow the advice of your Public Health Authority, who may recommend isolation
• call ahead to a health care provider if you are ill and seeking medical attention