Protect Yourself and Others

For general COVID-19 Vaccine information:

For COVID-19 Vaccine booking information:Call 905-974-9848, option 7

We all need to continue being mindful that COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses like flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are circulating in our community, even as public health measures are changing. Understanding your risk and taking actions to protect yourself and others is important to help slow the viral spread.

Individuals should assess their own personal level of risk for severe outcomes from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV, and be mindful that there are community members who remain at higher risk for serious outcomes. Check local indicators for respiratory illness transmission in Hamilton.

A person with any of the medical conditions is more likely to get very sick with COVID-19, especially if they are not fully vaccinated. A booster dose is recommended to further reduce risk of severe outcomes.

This list does not include all possible conditions that could make you at higher risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. When making decisions about which activities to participate in, each individual needs to assess their own risk, as well as of those around them.

You can protect yourself and others by following these steps:

Prevent COVID-19 spread when gathering with others:

Poor ventilation in indoor spaces is linked to increased transmission of respiratory infections, particularly if the space is small. Ventilation should be improved whenever possible.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and their filters help to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses by reducing virus particles in the air by:

Reduce your risk in indoor spaces when ventilation is poor

Reduce your individual risk in indoor crowded spaces by

Cleaning your hands and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can help reduce your risk of getting flu, RSV, COVID-19 and other viruses.

When and what to clean

Products to clean with

A list of cleaners and disinfectants is available on Health Canada’s website.

How to clean hard surfaces

How to clean soft surfaces (e.g., bedding, towels, and clothing)

Safety tips

Visit Public Health Ontario for more information on cleaning and disinfecting.

Antiviral treatment is currently available for individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19+, as determined by a clinician.

The City of Hamilton’s Face Coverings or Mask By-law 20-155 was repealed on March 21, 2022. Masks are no longer required in enclosed public places in Hamilton. However, individuals should assess their own risk level and consider wearing a mask in certain settings to protect themselves and others.

Do face masks protect you from COVID-19?

Wearing a well-fitted face mask when you are sick protects people who are around you. Since some people who are infected with COVID-19 may have the virus and not know it, whenever people you are going out and might come into close contact with other people, they you should assess your personal level of risk and consider wearing a face mask. When other people wear a well-fitted face mask, they are helping to protect you as well.

Masks can help:

Masks or face coverings should

No matter which type of mask you choose, proper fit is a key factor in its effectiveness.

How well a mask works depends on fit. When choosing a mask, keep in mind:

A well-fitting mask should:

Ways to improve fit include:

How to make your mask fit properly

Non-fit tested N95 masks offer similar effectiveness to well-fitted medical/surgical masks; however, three-layer non-medical masks can be more comfortable to wear over longer periods and still offer good protection. Public health follows Ontario Ministry of Health guidance for KN95 and N95 masks.

When wearing a face covering or mask

Replace the face covering or mask as soon as it becomes damp, dirty, damaged or if it has shrunk after washing and drying.

Filters add an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 by trapping small infectious particles. Filters can be made from:

For masks with a pocket, add a disposable coffee filter, paper towel, or reusable filter cloth. For masks without a pocket, cut/unstitch one end and tuck a filter in between the two layers. Check out how to make your own face covering with a filter.

Wearing a face covering or mask can increase your risk of infection if you touch your face more frequently to adjust it or if you do not wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off.

When taking off a face covering or mask

When disposing of a damaged/dirty face covering or mask