Today marked a very important shift in direction from Ottawa Public Health. Doctor Vera Etches, our Chief Medical Officer is asking all people in Ottawa to increase their practices of social distancing. This means:
- Limiting non-essential trips out of the home.
- Working to maintain a distance of 1-2 meters from other people as much as possible.
- We are asking people to keep their children home from daycare if possible.
- Check with their employers about options for working from home or implementing distancing at work.
Unless we act now to limit COVID-19 transmission in our community, we will not be able to keep the numbers who require hospital treatment all at once to a manageable number. We each need to do our part to ensure that our healthcare providers do not have to choose between who lives and who dies due to a lack of capacity to care for the most vulnerable people.
Social distancing measures can make a huge difference to limit the rapid spread of illness. Our window for being able to flatten the curve is closing and we must all take our responsibility seriously.
As you can tell from the guidance above, the situation is serious. Please stay home. Please be safe. Please follow Ottawa Public Health for reliable up to date information.
Here is the latest guidance from Ottawa Public Health:
The priority of the healthcare system is being able to test those who are most in need. Not everyone requires testing. People WITHOUT respiratory symptoms (such as fever or cough) will NOT be tested for COVID-19, regardless of potential exposures.
Even if you do not have symptoms, it is recommended to self-isolate for 14 days if:
- You have travelled anywhere outside of Canada (including the United States of America).
- You live with, provided care for, or spent extensive time with someone who has:
- Tested positive for COVID-19, OR is suspected to have COVID-19, OR who has respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) that started within 14 days of travel outside of Canada.
If you have MILD symptoms, where you are NOT short of breath and can manage symptoms reasonably at home
- Do NOT call Ottawa Public Health
- Self-isolate until 24 hours AFTER symptoms have FULLY resolved
NOTE: Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own at home
For employees, if your employer requires a sick note please send them this letter from Ottawa Public Health. For employers, please visit our COVID-19 info page for workplaces.
If you have ESCALATING SYMPTOMS such as a new or worsening cough and/or fever, AND have either travelled outside of Canada or been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days:
- Do NOT call Ottawa Public Health
- Children under 6 months of age meeting this criteria should be taken to CHEO
- Visit the COVID-19 Assessment Centre (see below for more info) – you do NOT need a referral from Ottawa Public Health OR
- Call your health care provider (if available)
- If the COVID-19 Assessment Centre and your health care provider are both closed, go to the hospital emergency department and pay attention to special signage
If you have SEVERE SYMPTOMS (you have frequent shortage of breath and cannot manage your symptoms at home)
- If this is a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately
- go to the hospital emergency department and pay attention to special signage
Here’s key information you should know:
What resources are out there for mental health?
I can’t say this enough: it’s normal for situations like COVID-19 to affect your mental health and it’s completely OK to ask for help. If you need support, Distress Centre Ottawa is here 24/7 at 613-238-3311.
What is Social Distancing?
In order to decrease transmission of COVID-19 in Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health is now recommending that all residents of Ottawa practice social distancing. Social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. This will help to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Social distancing includes, but is not limited to:
- Talking to your supervisor, manager, or employer about the possibility of working from home where possible.
- Avoiding sending children to daycare, if you are able to.
- Avoiding visits to Long-Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes, Supportive Housing, Hospices and other congregate care settings unless the visit is absolutely essential.
- Avoiding non-essential trips in the community.
- If you have to go into the community for an essential trip via taxi or rideshare, be sure to keep the windows down.
- If possible, limit or consider cancelling group gatherings.
- If you have meetings planned, consider doing them virtually instead of in person.
- Whenever possible, spend time outside and in settings where people can maintain a 1-2 metre (3-6 feet) distance from each other.
Please note: that these guidelines are not meant to say “you must stay in your home!”
You can still go outside to take a walk, go to the park, or walk your dog. If you need groceries, go to the store. We simply recommend that while outside you make sure to avoid crowds and maintain a distance of 1-2 metres (3-6 feet) from those around you.
Remember: While you may not feel sick, and while we know these measures are an inconvenience, please be mindful of the members of our community who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others. We are all in this together.
What is self-isolation?
Self-isolation is when you have been instructed to separate yourself from others, with the purpose of preventing the spread of the virus, including those within your home. If you are ill, you should be separated from others in your household to the greatest extent possible.
Even if you do not have symptoms, it is recommended to self-isolate for 14 days if:
- You have travelled anywhere outside of Canada(including the United States of America).
- You live with, provided care for, or spent extensive time with someone who has:
- Tested positive for COVID-19, OR is suspected to have COVID-19, OR who has respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) that started within 14 days of travel outside of Canada.
What is self-monitoring?
This is when you monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19 like fever, cough and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms develop, consult the latest guidance on our main COVID-19 page. Click here to find out how to self-monitor for symptoms.
What is a Vulnerable Population?
While diseases can make anyone sick, some Canadians are more at risk of getting an infection and developing severe complications due to their health, social and economic circumstances.
Anyone who is:
- an older adult
- at risk due to underlying medical conditions (e.g. heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer)
- at risk due to a compromised immune system from a medical condition or treatment (e.g. chemotherapy)
Anyone who has:
- difficulty reading, speaking, understanding or communicating
- difficulty accessing medical care or health advice
- difficulty doing preventive activities, like frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes
- ongoing specialized medical care or needs specific medical supplies
- ongoing supervision needs or support for maintaining independence
- difficulty accessing transportation
- economic barriers
- unstable employment or inflexible working conditions
- social or geographic isolation, like in remote and isolated communities
- insecure, inadequate, or nonexistent housing conditions
Suggestions for supporting vulnerable populations during COVID-19 outbreaks:
Provide clear instructions about how to wash hands and cover coughs using:
- the most commonly used language in the community
- short messages that explain simple steps they can take
- large font and graphics
- accessible instructions (e.g., braille, pictoral)
- by posting signs in common areas near sinks, entrances, intake areas, restrooms, sleeping areas, recreation areas, waiting rooms
Consider supporting alternatives such as:
- using volunteer drivers and subsidized taxi fares instead of public transportation
- putting in place alternative outreach measures or a “buddy” system
- including policies to allow sick clients to rest in shelters during the day
- providing access to food, drinks and supplies, as possible
- reminding clients to fill or refill prescriptions, and necessary medical supplies.
You can find more information here.