Information on COVID-19 for Physicians and Health Care Professionals

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Last revised:  February 28, 2022

Ottawa Public Health deeply appreciates the work of Physicians and other health care professionals contributing to the community’s response to COVID-19.

With ongoing community transmission of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health has introduced new guidance (PDF) that helps to ensure appropriate public health action is taken regardless of patient eligibility or access to COVID-19 testing. Clinicians are encouraged to review the guidance document and to be aware of eligibility criteria for PCR testing. Please note that provincial guidance may change in the future in response to changes in epidemiology and testing capacity.

Except for those who live, work, volunteer, or are admitted to the highest risk settings, most symptomatic individuals do not need a COVID-19 test. OPH recommends that those who meet eligibility criteria do receive a PCR test. Those who have access to rapid antigen tests may undergo testing if they choose. However, if testing is not available in a timely manner and regardless of their vaccination status, symptomatic persons and their high-risk contacts should take appropriate action as outlined in OPH’s Information for those who have symptoms, test positive for COVID-19 and high-risk contacts.

Please view the webpages below for more detailed information.

If you are a healthcare provider who relies on the COVID-19 Physician and Health Care Professionals webpage and you would like to provide feedback on the recent changes to the webpage, please email Physician.Engagement@ottawa.ca.