To get the most up-to-date information from reliable sources about COVID-19, we are sharing information that is taken directly from Health Canada (COVID-19: Be Prepared) and Government of Québec website (COVID-19).
In order to be prepared, stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness from any virus or illness, including COVID-19, you should continue to think ahead about the actions that you can take:
- Practise frequent hand hygiene et coughing and sneezing etiquette: Wash your hands often with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys and door handles.
- Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette:
- Cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs.
- If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards.
- If you are sick, avoid contact with more vulnerable people, including older adults and people who have a chronic disease. Encourage those you know are sick to stay home until they no longer have symptoms.
- Since respiratory viruses, such as the one that causes COVID-19, are spread through contact, change how you greet one another. Instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug, a friendly wave or elbow bump is less likely to expose you to respiratory viruses.
These are the most important ways that you can protect yourself and your family from respiratory illness, including COVID-19.
If you develop a fever or cough symptoms or respiratory difficulties, you are invited to contact the NEW Info-Santé line at for the Outaouais region: 819 644-4545. Do not go to a medical clinic unless you have first obtained an appointment. Visit the emergency room only if you have difficulty breathing. Once you’ve called the 819 644-4545, as needed, the caseworker will tell you what institution to visit for a check-up. If a consultation is required, it is important that you inform the health care facility about your travel history before you go to the facility or when you arrive so that the necessary preventive measures can be taken.
Visits to hospitals, residential and long-term care centres, intermediate resources, family-type resources for the elderly and vulnerable adults and private seniors’ homes
Starting March 14, 2020, non-essential visits to hospitals, residential and long-term car centres, intermediate resources, targeted family-type resources and private senior’s residence will be prohibited to protect the most vulnerable individuals and workers in the health and social services network.
Recent Documents and Infographics from the Government of Québec:
- NEW! March 29th COVID-9th Reminders and New Government of Québes Directives
- Procedure to Follow for People Waiting for a COVID-19 Test or Test Result (PDF Infographic)
- Procedure to Follow for People Who Have Been in Contact with a Confirmed Case of COVID-19 (PDF InfoGraphic)
- I am in Bereavment for One or More People who Lost their Lives in the Pandemic (PDF Infographic)
- My Child is Worried About the Pandemic: What Should I Do (PDF Infographic)
- Self-Care Guide & Decision Fact Sheet (PDF Infographic)
- COVID-19 – Lab-Test Pathway (PDF Infographic)
Government Help-Lines and Information Resources:
- Gouvernement du Québec COVID‑19 NEW Info-Santé line for Outaouais residents: 819 644‑4545
- Government of Canada COVID‑19 information line: 1 833‑784‑4397
- NEW! CISSS de l’Outaouais email address for questions on health of workers and the overall Outaouais population:
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus infection (Wuhan, China): Outbreak update (Government of Canada)
- Novel Coronavirus in China: recommendations for travellers (Government of Canada)
- Novel Coronavirus infection: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (Government of Canada)
Self-Help Guides & Help Lines for Adults & Children-Youth:
- Self-Care Guide & Decision Fact Sheet (PDF Infographic)
- Psychological First-Aid Guide: Pocket Guide (PDF, Canadian Red Cross)
- Mental Health First Aid COVID-19: Self-Care & Resilience Guide (PDF, Mental Health Commission of Canada)
- Kids Help Line – direct support during Covid-19 pandemic – A lot of kids are dealing with anxiety and isolation: this can be a great support for them and their parents.
- Child and Adolescent Anxiety Clinic – online resources (Scroll down to the resources section)
Useful Resources for Parents on How To Talk to Kids About COVID-19:
- How to strike a balance when talking to children about the coronavirus pandemic (Globe & Mail)
- Child Mind Institute: for younger children
- Psychology Today: for children of all ages including teens
- My Child is Worried About the Pandemic: What Should I Do (Govt. Québec Infographic)
- And here’s a great and simple video from the World Health Organization: