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Important Notice

Our Orillia laboratory is currently experiencing some service disruptions due to the impacts of this past weekend’s storm. As a result, there may be some delays in processing samples. The laboratory remains open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET for sample drop off. We are actively working to restore operations and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It first emerged in late 2019 and quickly spread worldwide, resulting in a global pandemic. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and it can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces. COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, from mild respiratory issues to severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure, with older adults and those with underlying health conditions being particularly vulnerable.

Featured

Interactive Report

This tool provides comprehensive epidemiological information of respiratory virus activity in Ontario, including COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses. Explore case trends, laboratory testing, and outbreaks, as well as COVID-19 outcomes and vaccination.

Webpage
Updated 28 March 2025

Surveillance Report

Short-term projections of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, and risk of related severe disease among pediatric and general adult population groups.

1.7 MB
Updated 28 March 2025

Sub Topics

COVID-19 Data and Surveillance

Emerging Topics: Synopsis of Key Articles

Variants of Concern

Health Care Resources

Health Equity

Laboratory Testing in Ontario

Public Health Measures

COVID-19 Vaccines

Resources for Congregate Living Settings

Long-Term Care Resources

Schools and Related Settings

Workplace Resources

Recently Published

Fact Sheet

This fact sheet outlines protection measures that can be used to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

700 KB
Updated 14 March 2024

Surveillance Report

Short-term projections of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, and risk of related severe disease among pediatric and general adult population groups.

1.7 MB
Updated 28 March 2025

Surveillance Report

This report summarizes the results of SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing, including variants of concern (VOC) and variants of interest (VOI), conducted by the Ontario COVID-19 Genomics Network.

972 KB
Updated 2 April 2025

Surveillance Report

This report provides an overview of COVID-19 wastewater signals in Ontario and sub-regions.

Webpage
Updated 1 Aug 2024

Evidence Synthesis

Find guidance on how to define outbreak and non-outbreak areas. Learn strategies for cohorting residents in various situations and how and when to use masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

904 KB
Updated 10 March 2025

Infographic

Visual representation of different cohorting scenarios.

194 KB
Updated 10 March 2025

Archives

Archive: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

This page contains an archived collection of PHO’s COVID-19 resources. This archived content is being made available for historical research and reference purposes only.

Related Information

External Resources

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Contact the Department

Communicable Disease Control

Communicable.DiseaseControl@oahpp.ca

Updated 25 Oct 2024
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