Public Health Agency of Canada

This document outlines the recommended goals, objectives, and activities for surveillance of human infection with COVID-19 in Canada. These guidelines are based on current available scientific evidence and expert opinion and are subject to change as new information becomes available.

Organizations, community health workers and volunteers play an important role in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 among those who experience homelessness. It is important that these service providers plan ahead and take precautions in their environments/workplaces, based on public health...

Canadian public health guidance related to COVID-19 has been changing as the evidence base and our understanding of COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. We are continually looking at the evidence as it is being produced and working with our partners across the country and around the world to learn more.

This document provides recommendations and guidance for re-opening approaches that can be tailored to jurisdictions across the country. It draws on and supports the First Ministers Statement on a shared public health approach to support restarting the economy, and elaborates further advice on...

Workplaces/businesses can implement key measures to limit the spread of the virus in their settings. Workplaces/ businesses are heterogeneous; therefore, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that employers and business owners conduct a risk assessment to determine the most appropriate...

While diseases can make anyone sick, some Canadians are more at risk of developing severe complications from an illness due to underlying medical conditions and age. If you are at risk for complications, you can take action to reduce your risk of getting sick from COVID-19.

The purpose of this document is to provide planning guidance for the delivery of health care in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to result in a prolonged period of increased demand on the health care system.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spreads from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets and aerosols when an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, sings, shouts, or talks. The droplets vary in size, from large droplets that fall to the ground rapidly (within...

Vaccines are essential to help end the pandemic. It's important for everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when it's their turn. Vaccines help lower your child's risk of infection. They work with the body's natural defenses to develop protection against a disease. Being vaccinated will...

In Canada, 75% of the eligible population have received their 1st dose, 50% of the eligible population are fully vaccinated and infection and hospitalization rates are low. Easing border measures for fully vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents, currently residing in the U.S. for...

In May 2021, international reports of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) following vaccination with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines emerged, including from Israel and the United States. Follow-up on these cases is ongoing. No clear...

The following guidance is directed to administrators of schools from kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) and local public health authorities (PHAs) in jurisdictions where these schools exist. The guidance is not prescriptive in nature, rather, it supports administrators and PHA's to consider...

Help get the word out about the importance of getting vaccinated. Host a virtual engagement session on COVID-19 vaccines and public health measures for your community. By leading this event, you’re helping to build vaccine confidence within your community. Share the facts to help people make an...

The Government of Canada has put in place emergency measures under the Quarantine Act to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 and variants in Canada. Even if you have been fully vaccinated, there is still a risk that you can be infected with COVID-19 and transmit the virus to others. To...

Canada has several systems in place to monitor the safety and effectiveness of vaccines starting in the early development stage and continuing for as long as the vaccines are in use. Get the facts. Visit Canada.ca/covid-vaccine to learn more.

Someone can have COVID-19 and not know it. That’s why more and more workplaces are using rapid tests as part of Workplace Screening, to help keep employees and communities safe. By screening people who are not showing signs of infection, we can identify people who may be carrying COVID-19 into...

The government of Canada is providing access to COVID-19 Rapid Tests. To find out how your workplace can order free rapid tests visit Canada.ca/covid-workplace-testing.

On September 7, 2021, provided that Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders for discretionary travel by travellers from any country who have been fully vaccinated with Government of Canada-accepted vaccines at least 14 days prior to...

Pets can provide many benefits, especially during times of stress. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, special consideration should be given to animals that reside in or visit long-term care homes (LTCHs), where COVID-19 may transmit more easily and people are at risk of more severe disease....

A list of pharmacies authorized to distribute rapid antigen test kits to small and medium organizations.