COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Guidance
Last Updated: December 7, 2022
- Very Low Risk
- Low Risk
- Moderate Risk
- High Risk
- Very High Risk
- Guidance for Workplaces, Businesses and Organizations
- Notes
For all risk levels, we strongly recommend:
- Be up to date with your COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines
- Wear a mask when the risk level is elevated. Tightly fitted masks (ex. N95/ KN95) are suggested
- Stay home when you are sick! Monitor for symptoms and seek testing/treatment as you are eligible
- Proper hand washing and cough etiquette are suggested for preventing the spread of multiple types of infections
Be mindful of your setting:
- Are you able to open windows and doors to improve ventilation?
- Are others you are gathering with, at an increased risk for getting COVID-19?
- Would virtual or smaller gatherings be safer?
- Is there another time, when it is less busy, that you can be in a space?
- Is everyone that will be in a space, up to date with their COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines?
Use this resource to access evidence-based recommendations to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in plain language format.
Guidance for General Population
-
- Mask: Wear if you prefer for risk reduction. May continue to be required in certain settings.
- Social Gatherings: Gather with people as you feel comfortable.
- High-risk Settings*: Enter high-risk settings as you feel comfortable.
Guidance for High Risk Population**
- Mask: Wear if you prefer for risk reduction. May continue to be required in certain settings.
- Social Gatherings: Gather with people as you feel comfortable.
- High-risk Settings*: Enter high-risk settings as you feel comfortable.
Guidance for General Population
- Mask: Wear if you prefer for risk reduction. May continue to be required in certain settings.
- Social Gatherings: Gather with people as you feel comfortable.
- High-risk Settings*: Enter high-risk settings as you feel comfortable.
Guidance for High Risk Population**
- Mask: Recommended for high-risk indoor public spaces. May continue to be required in certain settings.
- Social Gatherings: Outdoor or small group masked gatherings are suggested. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission.
- High-risk Settings*: Enter high-risk settings as you feel comfortable.
Guidance for General Population
- Mask: Recommended for high-risk indoor public spaces or when interacting with high risk individuals.
- Social Gatherings: Outdoor or small group masked gatherings are suggested. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission.
- High-risk Settings*: Limit attending high-risk settings.
Guidance for High-Risk Population**
- Mask: Recommended for all interactions with people from outside your household.
- Social Gatherings: Outdoor or small group masked gatherings are recommended. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission.
- High-risk Settings*: Limit attending high-risk settings.
Guidance for General Population
- Mask: Recommended for all interactions with people from outside your household.
- Social Gatherings: Outdoor or small group masked gatherings are recommended. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission.
- High-risk Settings*: Limit attending high-risk settings.
Guidance for High Risk Population**
- Mask: Strongly recommended for all interactions with people from outside your household.
- Social Gatherings: Outdoor or small group masked gatherings, wearing tightly fitted masks, are strongly recommended. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission.
- High-risk Settings*: Avoid attending high-risk settings.
Guidance for General Population
- Mask: Strongly recommended for all interactions with people from outside your household.
- Social Gatherings: Outdoor or small group gatherings, wearing tightly fitted masks, are strongly recommended. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission.
- High-risk Settings*: Avoid attending high-risk settings.
Guidance for High Risk Population**
- Mask: Strongly recommended for all interactions with people from outside your household.
- Social Gatherings: Avoid gathering indoors. If you are, masks and proper ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) are strongly recommended to decrease risks of transmission.
- High-risk Settings*: Avoid attending high-risk settings.
NOTES:
*A high-risk setting is a place where transmission levels could be higher due to large capacity limits, limited physical distancing, and poor ventilation.
**Individuals would be considered high risk if they fit in at least one of the following categories:
- Residents who are unvaccinated, or not up to date with current vaccination recommendations
- Older Adult (>60)
- Immunocompromised or medically at-risk
- Immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals include (Ministry of Health Vaccination Eligibility definition): individuals with active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies, receipt of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive. A full list can be found at People who are at risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19 – Canada.ca
- Please speak with your health care provider if you have questions about your personal health