COVID-19 and people with disabilities in Canada

Abstract

Overview: COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is known to spread from person to person. The virus is most commonly contracted from an infected person through coughing or sneezing, close contact such as touching or shaking hands, or touching an object with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands. Items and surfaces a person with COVID-19 has touched can carry the virus on them, so it is always important to wash your hands and clean frequently touched items and surfaces. COVID-19 causes a respiratory (lungs) type infection that is mild in most of the population (approximately 80%) but can be more severe in those who are older adults or those with chronic underlying conditions. Having a disability alone may not put you at higher risk for getting COVID-19 or having severe illness if you do get COVID-19. However, some people with disabilities might be at a higher risk of infection or severe illness because of their age, underlying medical conditions or their disability which could put them at greater risk of being exposed and acquiring the infection.