Advice for People at Higher Risk
Last modified:
12/18/2020 - 09:49
COVID-19 can make anyone seriously sick. However, there are some people who are at a higher risk and need to take extra steps to avoid getting COVID-19.
People at increased risk
You may be at increased risk from COVID-19 if you:
- Are over the age of 60
- Have or have had heart disease
- Have or have had lung disease like COPD or asthma
- Smoke or vape
- Have diabetes or another chronic disease
- Have an immune system disorder, or a weakened immune system like cancer.
How to protect yourself from COVID-19
People at higher risk for getting seriously sick from COVID-19 need to take extra steps to avoid it.
It is recommended that you follow this advice until further notice.
DO
- Shop for basic needs such as food and medicine once a week – or have a friend or family do the shopping and leave at your doorstep
- Stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from household members as much as possible.
- Go to work, but only if you cannot work from home
- Prepare a hospital bag, including a list of the medicines you are taking in case you need to go to a hospital
- Wash you hands with soap and water often – for at least 20 seconds
- Use alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Cover your mouth in your elbow if you cough or sneeze
- Throw tissue in the garbage and wash your hands
- Wear a cloth face mask while in public
- Clean objects and surfaces you touch often (like door handles, kettles, phones, and tablets) using your regular cleaning products
- Clean a shared bathroom each time you use it, for example by wiping the surfaces you have touched
DO NOT
- Touch your eyes, nose or mouth
- Have visitors in your home, including friends and family, unless they are providing essential care
- Stop taking any prescription medicines without speaking to your doctor
Look after yourself
To stay well while you are at home:
- Stay in touch with family and friends over the phone or social media
- Keep yourself busy – try new activities like cooking, online learning
- Exercise at home
- If it is warm, spend time with the windows open to let in fresh air
- Spend time outside, but within your property and stay at least 2 metres (3 steps) away from other people
Advice on mental health while staying at home:
People with certain health conditions
Some associations provide specific advice about COVID-19
- Asthma – Asthma and COVID-19 Q&A (Asthma Canada)
- Cancer – Cancer and COVID-19 (Canadian Cancer Society)
- Diabetes – COVID-19 and diabetes (Diabetes Canada)
- Heart Disease and Stroke – Coronavirus, heart disease and stroke (Heart and Stroke)
- Lung Disease – COVID-19 and your lung health (Lung Association)