Can you get COVID-19 from using an elevator?

The information provided on the show is for general information purposes only. If you have a health problem, medical emergency, or a general health question, you should contact a physician or other qualified health care provider for consultation, diagnosis and/or treatment. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-diagnosis or treatment based on anything you have seen on the show.As the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, people have questions about how they can best prepare for the situation and protect themselves against the virus. Your Morning been taking your questions to health experts. They’ve looked at the symptoms of the virus are, how COVID-19 will come to end, if the flu shot can protect you, if you should stop taking ibuprofen, whether or not young people are at risk of falling seriously ill, how long someone can carry COVID-19, the conditions that can make you high-risk, whether or not your ‘work clothes’ can contaminate your house, and if COVID-19 can jump from item to item. Dr. Isaac Bogoch responded to even more questions about the virus. Find his answers below, and watch the video above to learn more.

WHEN WILL THE PANDEMIC END?

Looking at other countries that are further along in the fight against COVID-19, they are slowly starting to alleviate their public health measures a few months down the road. Dr. Bogoch says the situation will likely be similar here, but the definitive solution is a vaccine - which is probably a year away.

CAN COVID-19 TRANSFER IN AN ELEVATOR?

The coronavirus is transferred by droplets and close contact with an infected individual, so yes, you absolutely can get it from an elevator ride. However, it's more likely that you would get it from touching a high-contact surface, so good hand hygiene is key.

DO I NEED TO SELF-ISOLATE WITH ONLY ONE SYMPTOM?

It's probably a good idea to still self-isolate, says Dr. Bogoch. As we see more evidence of community transmission of the virus in Canada, if you're exhibiting even one symptom, it's best to take the precaution of quarantining yourself as well as calling your local public health number. They can guide you through the best course of action, which may include anything from self-isolation for 14 days to getting tested.[video_embed id='1928758']BEFORE YOU GO: Can COVID-19 jump from item to item?[/video_embed]