Care of the COVID-19 Patient

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild to moderate upper respiratory illnesses, like a common cold.

SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) occurred in 2002 and caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). SARS virus disappeared in 2004.

Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) appeared in 2012. It is caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 2021).

The virus SARS-CoV-2 appeared in late 2019 and causes COVID-19 (WHO, 2021).

Genetic variations of a virus are common and expected. SARS-CoV2 will naturally develop mutations. There are a number of variants the Canadian government is monitoring.

COVID-19 spreads from an infected person to others via respiratory droplets or aerosols that are created when an infectious person coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts, or talks.

The infectiousness of droplets varies; droplets may come in direct contact with the mucous membranes (person’s nose, mouth or eyes), or they may be inhaled via nose, mouth, airways and lungs.

SARS-CoV2 virus may also spread when a person touches a surface or object (fomite) that has the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.

Transmission may occur from individuals who do not have signs or symptoms of infection (pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic).

(Government of Canada, 2021b, 2021d)

Currently, those at greatest risk of infection are persons who have had prolonged, unprotected close contact (i.e. within 6 feet for 15 minutes or longer) with a patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of whether the patient has symptoms. Persons frequently in congregate settings (e.g. homeless shelters, assisted living facilities, college or university dormitories) are at increased risk of acquiring infection because of the increased likelihood of close contact. Those who live in or have recently been to areas with sustained transmission may also be at higher risk of infection.

All persons can reduce the risk to themselves and others by wearing a mask, practising physical distancing, washing their hands often, and following other Public health recommendations.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations, following public health guidance, and following IPAC guidance are the best strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Government of Canada, 2021b).

Several vaccines have been approved by Health Canada to prevent COVID-19. Read more information regarding Canadian vaccines (Government of Canada, 2021b).

Public Health Guidance

How to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Steps you can take to stay safe, help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect your community:

Monitoring for COVID-19

• Healthcare workers who test positive for COVID-19 must remain off work for five days following symptom onset or date of test. Upon return to work, they must wear a mask up to and including day 10. 
• Healthcare providers who test negative, or if no test result is available, must remain off work until symptoms have improved or resolved and are without a fever for 24 hours. Upon return to work, they must mask up to 10 days from the onset of symptoms. 
• Rapid tests remain available for ordering by leaders via SAP. See memos for details: