Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) reminds the public to self-isolate after being tested for COVID-19 to prevent the spread of the virus. Anyone with symptoms is encouraged to get tested, but it is vital that they self-isolate by staying at home and away from others until they receive their results, even if their symptoms improve.
“It is important that anyone who has been tested stays at home and away from other people until their test result is known,” explains Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health at NWHU.
COVID-19 can be spread to others even when an infected individual is feeling well, which is why physical distancing remains an important prevention measure. The public is reminded to stay two metres away from anyone not within their household and to wear a mask or face covering when distancing is a challenge to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Several cases in a Kenora surge have been linked to people not isolating while they wait for COVID-19 test results to return.
“NWHU reminds everyone that if you have been tested for COVID-19 due to symptoms, you must self-isolate until you receive a negative test result, or are told by public health that you can return to normal daily activities. Just because you are feeling better doesn’t mean you don’t have COVID-19,” said the NWHU on Facebook. “We are aware of several cases in our area recently where COVID-19 has been spread by people who have been tested and have resumed their regular daily activities because their symptoms had improved. It is imperative that anyone who has been tested stays at home and away from other people until they receive a negative test result.”
If you have been notified that you are a close contact of a case, please note that a negative test
does not end your isolation period early.
