The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly worldwide, and the progression of the coronavirus in Canada is something that many Canadians are watching closely.
Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs and are most commonly spread from those infected through:
- Respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze
- Close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing hands
Although there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease, there are a number of preventative measures that you can take to help prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Coronavirus Canada: COVID-19 Prevention Tips
For recommendations laid out by the Canadian Government to prevent COVID-19, refer to the following list.
Tip #1: Social Distancing
One of the most important things that you as an individual can do to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to consciously maintain an appropriate physical distance from others.
This is known as “social distancing.” Social distancing is a proven, effective way to reduce the spread of illness by limiting the opportunity for the virus to spread from those carrying — whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incubation period, or the time between catching the virus and showcasing symptoms, is estimated to range between 1-14 days.
The incubation period is most commonly estimated at 5 days. This means that an individual can carry the virus for a number of days before showcasing any evidence of symptoms, meaning maintaining social distance is of utmost priority for Canadians.
Social distancing is one of the ways that you as an individual can limit the spread of coronavirus in Canada
This may mean making changes to your everyday routine and lifestyle, including but not limited to:
- Avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
- Avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
- Limiting contact with people at higher risk like older adults and those in poor health
- Keeping a distance of at least 2 arms-length (approximately 2 metres) from others
For those who have recently travelled outside of Canada, you are at high risk of spreading COVID-19 and are required by law to self-isolate for 14 days without visiting stores, family or friends regardless of whether or not you are showing symptoms.
How We Can Help
At Apothecare, we’re pleased to be able to support you in social distancing by offering free delivery on all prescriptions in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region. Our pharmacy will remain open, with modified hours, to continue serving our community with access to necessary medications.
Our new hours are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, as well as Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Our team is available by text or email on weekdays until 7 pm for any necessary evening deliveries. To minimize contact and ensure a safe environment during any in-store pick-ups, we are offering drop-offs directly to your car.
If you need a prescription filled during this time, our team is here for you. Call or text us at 519-954-1055 and we’ll coordinate delivery or pick-up at a time that works for you!
Tip #2: Practice Proper Hygiene
Maintaining proper hygiene is critical in reducing the risk of infection as well as the spread of coronavirus to others.
Washing your hands frequently is recommended to avoid the transmission of coronavirus to others
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following measures to ensure proper hygiene:
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable
- Follow good respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, disposing of any used tissues as soon as possible and washing hands afterwards
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
Following these tips can keep you, your family, and others safer.
Tip #3: Cleaning Thoroughly & Frequently
Although it is not certain how long the virus can survive on surfaces, scientists believe that it may persist on surfaces for a few hours up to several days. The ability of the virus to survive on these surfaces may vary depending on conditions including the type of surface as well as the temperature or humidity of the environment.
To remove the virus from a surface, it’s recommended that you clean frequently with disinfectant that can help limit the transfer of microorganisms. Pay special attention to the following, high-touch surfaces:
- Toys
- Toilets
- Phones
- Electronics
- Door handles
- Bedside tables
- Television remotes
For a list of hard-surface disinfectants from Health Canada, click here.
Clean surfaces frequently with disinfectant to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Canada.
The risk of coronavirus in Canada is high, but we can all do our part in flattening the curve. We hope that this information can equip you to make safe choices for yourself and your community.
If you have any further questions about the coronavirus or want to speak with one of our pharmacists, please call or text us at 519-954-1055.
Trust Apothecare For Your At-Home Prescription Delivery!
Following these tips will help prevent the spread of coronavirus in Canada.
One of the ways that we can help at Apothecare is through our reliable at-home delivery service that allows you to get the prescriptions you need while still committing to social distancing.
We offer free, same-day prescription delivery on all orders in Kitchener-Waterloo!
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