Ontario is moving to an inclusive respiratory recommendation for sickness this fall.

That’s for COVID-19, as well as the flu and gastro-intestinal illness.

Dr. Kieran Moore is the Chief Medical Officer of Health and says this recognizes we are moving into a new season.

“The main guidance now for the fall, has to apply for all respiratory illnesses,” Dr. Moore explained.

“So we need to have an approach that will decrease the transmission of RSV, influenza and COVID.  So the guidance is, stay at home when you are sick.  You should not go back to school or work environment until your your symptoms are resolving and improving for 24 hours.  If you have a fever, you should not go back to school or work until that fever has resolved.  To protect others, you should continue to wear a mask, even if you are feeling better,  for 10 full days, from the start of your symptoms.”

He adds that important not only to stay up to date with COVID-19 boosters, but have a flu shot as well, when it’s available.

He adds that COVID boosters for youth between 5 and 11 will be available starting tomorrow.