Infectious Diseases and Outbreak Management

COVID-19, respiratory and enteric (or gastroenteritis) outbreaks occur in long-term care homes, retirement homes, schools, childcare centres and other congregate living settings throughout the year. Early detection and timely implementation of outbreak control measures are essential to preventing further transmission and infection to others.

This page contains resources for facilities to use in the management and implementation of control measures for COVID-19, respiratory, and enteric (or gastroenteritis) outbreaks in congregate settings, as well as enteric (or gastroenteritis) outbreaks in school and childcare settings.

For COVID-19 specific resources for school and child care settings, please see the COVID-19 Staying Safe at School page.

Outbreak Reporting Form

As of October 3rd 2022, York Region Public Health will be launching a new electronic reporting form to notify the health unit of COVID-19, Respiratory, and enteric outbreaks and cases to York Region Public Health. Facilities are still welcome to call or email us at the contact details below.

Outbreak Reporting Form

List of Diseases of Public Health Significance

By law, physicians, nurses and other practitioners have a legal obligation to report a suspect or confirmed case of a reportable communicable disease to their local Medical Officer of Health.

Outbreak Management in Facility Settings

An outbreak is an increase, often sudden, in the number of cases of an infectious disease above what is normally expected in a specific place or group of people over a period of time. Investigation of outbreaks is necessary to understand, control and prevent the spread of diseases.

Repatriation during and outbreak

Enteric

Respiratory

Outbreak Resources for Child Care Centres and Schools

Resources for Child Care Centres

Resources for Schools

Guidelines for Common Childhood Communicable Diseases

This chart lists reportable diseases and non-reportable diseases, with common signs and symptoms. It also outlines how the disease is transmitted, when it is infectious or communicable and if the child must be excluded from a child care centre.

Outbreak Signage

During an outbreak, it is important to post signs notifying staff and visitors that your facility is having an outbreak and what precautions need to be taken to reduce the spread of the illness.

Institutions

Child care centres

COVID-19 Resources – Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes

Implementing outbreak control measures early to prevent further transmission of the infection to others is essential, thereby reducing the length and impact of an outbreak. These outbreak control measures are evidence-based and/or best practices, in accordance with guidance documents from the Ontario Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee, Public Health Ontario, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

Key Resources

Ministry of Health Resources

Public Health Ontario Resources:

Vaccine Resources:

York Region Public Health Resources:

Additional resources:

COVID-19 Resources - Congregate Settings

Implementing outbreak control measures early to prevent further transmission of the infection to others is essential, thereby reducing the length and impact of a COVID-19 outbreak. These outbreak control measures are evidence-based and/or best practices, in accordance with guidance documents from the Ontario Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee, Public Health Ontario, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

Key Resources:

Ministry of Health Resources:

Public Health Ontario Resources:

Vaccine Resources:

York Region Public Health Resources:

Additional resources:

COVID-19 Outbreaks - Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering PPE supplies

Q: Where can I order PPE supplies from? Can York Region Public Health provide emergency PPE supplies for a facility if they are running low? 

A: To order PPE, please visit Personal Protective Equipment and Swab Kit Supply Information for Ontario Health (Central) Community Providers.

York Region Public Health can provide emergency PPE supplies for facilities with COVID-19 outbreaks. Please inform the case investigator working with you and they will order and arrange for the delivery of emergency PPE supplies. 

Contact Information

For any of the following issues below, please contact the appropriate team by email, phone or fax during business hours and after hours/on-call.

Control of Infectious Disease

For issues or reports of any Diseases of Public Health Significance, respiratory or enteric cases and potential and ongoing outbreaks related to the facility.

Email: @email
Telephone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 73588
On-call Response Telephone: 905-953-6478
Fax number: 905-898-5213

COVID-19 Institutional Outbreak Team

For issues or reports of any COVID-specific cases and potential and ongoing outbreaks related to the facility.

Email address: @email
Telephone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 73796
On-call Response Telephone: 905-953-6478
Fax number: 905-762-2119

York Region Public Health Vaccine Information Line

For issues or reports of any adverse events following immunization or general questions regarding vaccinations (all vaccinations, including COVID and Influenza). This information line is open to the public.

Email address: @email
Telephone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 73452

York Region COVID-19 Vaccination Coordinator

For any requests related to COVID-19 vaccine clinic scheduling, picking up COVID-19 vaccines, and strategies to improve vaccine uptake in facility. This inbox is exclusively dedicated to responding to facility requests.

Email address: @email

Health Connection

For any requests related to inspections, IPAC or audits.

Email address: @email
Telephone: 1-800-361-5653

Related Resources