COVID-19 has been dominating the headlines for weeks, but how do you know if you or a loved one has it?
The Medical Officer of Health for Windsor and Essex County, Dr. Wajid Ahmed, says there are a number of symptoms to look for including fever, cough and difficulty breathing, but it's important to know some people may have little to no symptoms at all.
He says self-isolation is key to stopping the spread.
"The moment you develop any symptoms, whether it's COVID or whether it any other respiratory infection, the mode of spread is the same and people need to be pulling themselves away from other people in larger groups or people with compromised immune systems."
Ahmed says the health unit offers an online tool to assess your symptoms.
"It walks you through some of the symptoms and when you do the assessment it will tell you whether you should be going to the assessment centre for possible testing or maybe you should contact your primary care provider and have some of that conversation either through the phone or through tele-medicine or by any other means."
He says keep a close eye on your own health and the health of others.
"Right now we just have to monitor our personal health. We have to take care of ourselves and practice social distancing as much as possible. You have to continue to wash your hands. I cannot emphasize how important it is. It's the most effective way to minimize your chances of contracting COVID."
Ahmed says anyone who believes they're sick should contact their doctor, Telehealth Ontario or the local health unit before heading to the hospital for testing or treatment.
The latest information on COVID-19 and ways to protect yourself can be found on the heath unit's website.
— with files from AM800's Patty Handysides