February 6th, 2023
While rates of respiratory viruses are on the decline, the season is far from over. To help keep each other healthy, we have a reminder from Region of Waterloo Public Health regarding what to do if you are sick with a respiratory illness.
Please Stay Home If You Are Sick
If you are sick, please stay home to prevent transmission to others, except to seek testing or medical care if required.
You should stay home until all of the following apply to you:
- your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea)
- you do not have a fever
- you do not develop any additional symptoms
We recommend you continue to use the Ontario School Screener each day prior to attending school or the workplace.
When your symptoms are improving and you are no longer isolating at home, doing the following can provide extra protection against the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses circulating in the community.
For 10 days after your symptoms started:
- wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings
- avoid non-essential activities where you need to take off your mask (for example, dining out)
- avoid non-essential visits to anyone who is immunocompromised or may be at higher risk of illness (for example, seniors)
- avoid non-essential visits to highest risk settings in the community such as hospitals and long-term care homes
Wearing a Mask is Encouraged
We encourage all staff, students and visitors to wear a mask inside Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) schools and workplaces.
For more advice on how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website.