Last Updated: March 30, 2023
Who Is a Close Contact| What to Do if You’re a Close Contact| Additional Resources
Who Is a Close Contact
Who Is a Close Contact of a COVID-19 Case?
A close contact is anyone who, during the infectious period of the case:
- lived with or was within two metres of a person who has COVID-19 for 10 minutes or more of cumulative contact over a 24 hour period, (multiple interactions for a total of 10 minutes or more), even if a mask was worn during that contact, or
- had direct contact with infectious bodily fluids of a person who has COVID-19 – for example shared items such as drinks, personal hygiene items, cigarettes, vapes, lipstick, eating utensils, or was coughed or sneezed on, or
- provided direct care for a person who has COVID-19, or
- had physical contact with a person who has COVID-19, such as handshake, hugging, kissing, or sexual activity, or
- had contact with a person who has COVID-19 within two meters for one minute or longer during activities that involve speaking, singing, shouting or breathing heavily (e.g., exercise).
What to Do if You’re a Close Contact
What if I’m a Close Contact?
For seven days after exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 case, you are recommended to:
- Watch for symptoms. If you develop symptoms, you should stay home and away from others, especially vulnerable people. This includes people such as seniors, people with weak immune systems, and those with chronic health conditions. If contact cannot be avoided, we recommend wearing a mask.
- Avoid high-risk locations such as continuing care facilities and non-essential hospital visits.
- Take precautions such as physical distancing, wearing a mask and washing or sanitizing your hands often.
- Get tested using an at-home rapid test if you have access to one.
Additional Resources
