What should you do if you have symptoms?

If you are less than 50 years old and otherwise healthy, just stay home and take care of yourself — and don't go to hospital.

"The hospital is the worst place for anyone, other than people who are really sick and who will need hospitalization. Just being infected with a viral infection is not a reason to go to hospital," said Dr. Andrew Morris, an infectious disease specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. But it is a good reason if you are older, have a compromised immune system or are experiencing shortness of breath. 

The most important thing to do is to call ahead to your health-care provider when possible, whether you are going to see your primary care physician, a walk-in clinic or an emergency department at a hospital. Upon arrival, you will be asked to wear a mask while waiting to prevent spreading your germs and you may be isolated.

Some people will be completely asymptomatic — and still come up positive for the virus.