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In December 2019, a novel coronavirus started an outbreak which led to a pandemic. Later, this novel coronavirus became known as COVID-19. As cases of infection rose globally, public health measures were taken to reduce the spread and harm from infection, including physical distancing, masking, and vaccination. While the strategies work better together, vaccination is still the most effective protection against severe COVID-19.

Although pandemic restrictions have been lifted, COVID-19 still exists worldwide, with new variants meaning cases and outbreaks still occur, and often come in waves throughout the year.  COVID-19 infections increase in the fall each year, when other respiratory illnesses, like the flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) also increase. If you have symptoms of any respiratory viral infection, take the Ontario Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment (opens in new window) for recommendations on what to do next. For more information, visit the Provincial website (opens in new window).

Health care providers can find more information about COVID-19 on our COVID-19 Information for Health Professionals webpage.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.