Ottawa Public Health is asking residents to limit close contacts to those in your own household or, for those living alone, to one or two close contacts or essential supports. The request follows the city's recent surge in COVID-19 cases and reversion from Stage 3 to a modified Stage 2 of the province's framework for reopening.

Face masks are now mandatory in all indoor public spaces in Ontario, and wherever physical distancing of at least 2 m / 6 ft is a challenge.  Masks are also required in public transit properties including buses, trains, stations, shelters and platforms.  Continued caution is advised if choosing to visit restaurants and bars.

Testing for COVID-19 is now by appointment. For current testing criteria, locations and bookings, visit https://www.qch.on.ca/COVIDCareClinic and Ottawa Public Health.

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, or anyone who came in close contact with a person who tested positive, must legally self-isolate for 14 days OR until receiving a negative test, in accordance with a recent Class Order by Ottawa Public Health.

Ottawa's modified Stage 2 came into effect on Saturday, October 10 and will remain in place for a minimum of 28 days. Indoor dining at restaurants and bars is prohibited, and gyms, movie theatres and casinos are closed. The province or City of Ottawa may put additional public health measures in place if deemed appropriate. 

For ongoing information and updates, visit Ottawa Public Health's COVID-19 Dashboard and the PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA's COVID-19 website.  Ottawa Public Health has also released this interactive neighbourhood map to provide a snapshot of the local distribution of confirmed cases.

HELP PREVENT TRANSMISSION:

The virus is spread primarily by respiratory droplets emitted when talking, sneeezing or coughing. People without symptoms may be infected and capable of transmiting the virus to others.

In addition to wearing a mask, limiting your contacts and maintaining physical distance from those not in your household, public health agencies also recommend the following:

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Avoid touching your face.
• If water is unavailable, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid large gatherings or crowds.
• Stay at home when sick or if feeling unwell.
• All travellers returning from outside Canada must immediately self-isolate for 14 days under the federal Quarantine Act.  This involves not stopping at grocery stores on the way home. Groceries and other essentials should be ordered for home delivery or dropped at the door by a family member, neighbour or friend.

Both the City of Ottawa and Province of Ontario remain under a State of Emergency.  Ottawa municipal bylaw officers have the authority to enforce COVID-19 regulations. Citizens may call 311 to report any concerns.

No age group is immune—an increasing number cases are in people under 40. Ottawa Public Health states that the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases progressively with age, and strongly recommends that older adults avoid non-essential trips in the community as much as possible. Individuals of any age with compromised immunity and/or underlying medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and chronic lung disease are also at higher risk. 

FOR LOCAL RECREATION:

• The multi-use pathway along the Ottawa River is open to pedestrians, runners and cyclists.

• Cyclists, runners and pedestrians can also continue to enjoy the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway on weekends from 8am to 4pm when it closes to motor vehicles between Aviation Parkway and St. Joesph Blvd. The weekend closures have been extended to October 12. CLICK HERE for details.

• Playgrounds at Ottawa City Parks reopened in July. Users are reminded to maintain physical distancing from people outside your household, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands after using park equipment.

Please Note: The 23 bus route is back in service after a temporary closure due to the pandemic.  All transit riders are required to wear face masks.  For more information visit octranspo.com .

Get the latest information about COVID-19 at:

• OTTAWA PUBLIC HEALTH
• COVID-19 STATISTICS IN OTTAWA
• PUBLIC HEALTH ONTARIO and 
• PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA

In addition to following the primary guidelines, everyone can help prevent transmission as follows:

·       Limit non-essential trips. Shop for groceries once per week.

·       Have essentials such as food and medications delivered, if possible.

·       If you must take an essential trip via taxi or rideshare, keep the vehicle windows down.

·      Stay connected with family, neighbours and friends by phone, email, FaceTime or Skype.

Things change rapidly in a pandemic situation.  For daily updates, visit the links above and the PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA's COVID-19 website.

We wish all of you good health and safety during these challenging times.