It's a term you've heard a lot in recent weeks in the midst of the global outbreak of coronavirus: self-isolation.
Ontario officials confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 in the GTA Tuesday. Both patients are in self-isolation at their homes. On Monday, Canada's Public Health Agency asked that anyone who has recently travelled to Iran self-isolate for 14 days.
Bioethicist Kerry Bowman explains that self-isolation is built on citizens willing to be team players.
"You really have to make a sacrifice for the good of other people," Bowman says.
When you're in self-isolation, your universe shrinks dramatically.
You can't go outside, food and other supplies must be left at your door, all your communication comes through a phone or a screen.
Bowman understands the loneliness and anxiety that can come with self-isolation. He was quarantined at home during the SARS outbreak in 2003. He says technology has made life under lockdown much easier in 2020--you can quickly order a variety of food and things to keep you entertained, stay connected to the world outside and see the faces of the people you love.
Bowman says friends and family members can drop off care packages, but they should be left at the door.
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Self-isolation when you live alone is simple enough. The logistics can be harder to manage when you share a home with your family, partner, or a roommate.
Bowman explains an entire household may not be required to self-isolate just because one member is.
"You'd absolutely have to be in your own room and you can isolate yourself (from others) inside your own home," Bowman says.
Bowman recalls people sleeping in the basements of their homes during the SARS outbreak in order to put some distance between themselves and members of their family. But the seperation can take an emotional toll.
"It's hard telling a three-year-old that they have to stay away from their mother," Bowman says.
He concedes that living in seclusion in a shared space may not be possible, for example, in a tiny condo unit. But he says local public health units can help make alternative arrangements.
People in self-isolation hear from their public health unit daily, over the phone, e-mail, or in person.
"Not just like surveillance are they at home, are they not. But they'd offer support to that person and they'd monitor that person for symptoms."
If they do not exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 and public health nurses have no other concerns, the person in isolation would be allowed to step into the fresh air again.
You can learn more about COVID-19 here:
Ontario's COVID-19 Page
Canada's Public Health Agency
Toronto Public Health