"Quarantine" is a state of enforced isolation for someone who has been exposed to a disease, but is not sick yet. "Isolation" is when someone who is sick is isolated from others to prevent the spread of the disease. Some websites use the terms interchangeably. Quarantine and isolation is important as it restricts the possible spread of a disease.

After being infected with a disease such as SARS, most have a period of time where they appear completely healthy before getting sick. This period is known as the "incubation period". Although most people are not contagious when they don't display symptoms, quarantine is a precaution to help stop the spread of SARS.

Quarantine is the most successful strategy we have to stop the spread of SARS. Therefore, it is very important that people in quarantine follow directions. Because it may take up to 10 days to get sick, people who may have been exposed are required to stay in quarantine for at least 10 days after their last possible exposure.

Please click here for a list of SARS Centre locations.

How to cope with quarantine?

If you've been told to go into quarantine, do not panic. This does not necessarily mean you have SARS.

If you've been placed in quarantine it means that you've probably been exposed to SARS but you are not yet sick. It is highly unlikely that you can spread SARS to others if you don't have SARS symptoms.

It's important not to blame yourself if you've been exposed. It's also important to stay as calm as possible, and plan how you'll cope with:

• Significant others: You may continue to live with your family but it is advisable to wear a mask when around them, to sleep in separate rooms and to keep contact to a minimum. The same rules apply to children.
• Work: If you are on work quarantine, you will have to think of practical issues such as commuting, filling gas, etc.
• Self-care: Remember to incorporate a wide range of personal activities that will keep you busy while you're at home. Also, remember to take care of issues such as groceries, (in the Toronto area there are home delivery services for Groceries that can be ordered on line) cancelled appointments and other temporary changes in your lifestyle.
• Contact information for healthcare: Make a list of important phone numbers in case you get sick and have to be examined (e.g. phone number of doctor, public health unit, hospital, ambulance, etc).
• Masks: Keep a supply of surgical masks and use them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cover your mouth and nose if you cough and sneeze.
• Cleaning surfaces in your home and vehicle: Use appropriate household disinfectants to clean surfaces. I.e. phone, countertops etc.
• Additional protection: Do not share any personal hygiene products such as toothbrushes, mouth wash, soap, etc. Keep plates and cutlery separate from other family members until you are out of quarantine.

Sources: CDC, and Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: What should I do in isolation at home?.