Ontario's top medical official is urging everyone to "do more" to help stem the spread of COVID-19.
A statement from the Chief Medical Officer of Health emphasizes that "everyone has a role to play in reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 - there is no option for anyone to opt out", warning "the lives of many Ontarians, especially our community's most vulnerable citizens, is in your hands and will depend on your actions over the coming days and weeks".
To that end, Dr. David Williams "strongly recommends" staying home except to access health care services, shop for groceries, pickup medication at a pharmacy, walk pets when required, or to support vulnerable community members with those needs - and he wants Ontarians "to the fullest extent possible" to limit the number of these essential trips and make sure when out to adhere to physical distancing recommendations, keeping two metres from other people.
Noting the "greater risk of severe outcomes" for the elderly, Williams strongly recommends individuals over 70 years old self-isolate - only leaving home for "essential reasons" and when possible seeking help from services over the phone, internet, or through friends - and he recommends the same for those with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions.
Williams reminds the federal government requires travellers to immediately self-isolate for fourteen days once you return to Canada - not going out for work, groceries, or even on walks.
Finally, Williams emphasizes the importance of washing hands regularly with soap and water - or alcohol-based hand sanitizer as a lesser option - to practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette, and to avoid direct contact when greeting people.