Instructions for patients being tested for novel coronavirus 
(from the Office of the Fraser Health Medical Health Officer)

Your doctor has determined that you can safely be cared for at home. To prevent the spread of contagious respiratory illnesses including novel coronavirus, we advise that you self-isolate at home for 96 hours until your test results are complete.

If your test is positive, you will receive a call from Public Health within 96 hours

If you have not received a call from your doctor or Public Health after 96 hours, you can stop self-isolation

If you were tested at a community clinic, you should receive a call from your doctor if your test is negative.

If you were tested at a Fraser Health Emergency Department, you will not receive a call if your test is negative. If you would like to confirm your results, please contact your usual primary care provider by phone.

Instructions for Self-Isolation:

1. Stay home except to get urgent medical care – Do not go to work, school, or public areas (e.g. places of worship, stores, shopping malls, and restaurants). Cancel non-urgent appointments. Do not use public transportation or taxis. Your doctor may provide you with a note excusing you from work or school.
2. Separate yourself from other people in your home – Stay and sleep in a well-ventilated room separate from other people. Use a separate bathroom if available. Use a surgical or procedure mask in shared spaces. Household members should stay in another home or place of residence if possible, especially if they have compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions. Do not have visitors.
3. Avoid sharing household items - Do not share dishes, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding, or other items with people in your home. After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water.
4. Wear a facemask – Wear a surgical or procedure mask when you are in the same room with other people and when you visit a health care facility. If your mask gets wet or dirty, change it.
5. Cover your coughs and sneezes – Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough/sneeze, or cough/sneeze into your elbow instead of your hand. Throw used tissues into a lined trash can in your room before disposal with other household waste. Immediately wash your hands.
6. Wash your hands – Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use disposable paper towels when possible. For more information on handwashing see https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/hand-washing. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with non-sanitized/unwashed hands.
7. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces – Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g. counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables) once per day with regular household disinfectant containing 1-part bleach to 99 parts water.
8. Notify health care facilities before you visit – Call ahead before visiting a health care facility and advise them that you have or are being tested for novel coronavirus. Remind health care providers when you arrive. This will help health care facilities to take steps to keep other people from becoming infected.
9. Monitor your symptoms – Seek medical attention if you have trouble breathing, are unable to tolerate fluids, or if your illness is worsening. Notify health care facilities and health care providers (e.g. emergency departments, ambulance paramedics, doctor’s offices) before you visit.