Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

November 28, 2021 -Special statement from Dr. Vera Etches

Ottawa Public Health follows up directly with all individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts. To protect the privacy of the individual, Ottawa Public Health cannot disclose additional information about any case of COVID-19.

Ottawa Public Health is working with the Province to monitor COVID-19 variants of concern including Delta and Omicron.

To reduce the transmission of the Omicron variant and out of an abundance of caution, Ottawa Public Health advises individuals who have been in Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Namibia, within 14 days before arriving in Ottawa, AND members of their households to:

1. Immediately self-isolate even if fully vaccinated. Follow federal guidance, and any additional guidance provided by Ottawa Public Health if contacted.
2. Seek testing for COVID-19 at one of Ottawa’s assessment centres regardless of whether they have symptoms. Federal guidance at this time is for testing to occur immediately upon arrival and eight days after arrival.
3. Isolate from household members. For example, stay in a separate room or stay in an isolation centre until receiving a negative test result. For information about staying in an isolation centre please call 613-580-2424 ext. 25890 or email OPHisolationcentre@ottawa.ca.

We know that this information may be concerning for some individuals. If you have questions or need help with this guidance, please contact Ottawa Public Health by email: healthsante@ottawa.ca or by phone: 613-580-6744, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. If calling after hours, please leave a voicemail message with your contact information and a public health nurse will return your call the following day during business hours.

The best way to prevent transmission of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and remain vigilant by practising basic public health measures including wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, and limiting close contacts. If you are gathering with others, assess the risk by considering everyone’s vaccination status.

In the coming days, we may see an increase in the number of people testing positive because of transmission of the Omicron variant in Ottawa. It is important to remember that this is not a new virus and that the public health measures that we practise will help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, do not wait a day or two days to see if your symptoms improve and book a COVID-19 test immediately.

November 19, 2021 - Special statement from Dr. Vera Etches

Dear Ottawa residents,

Ottawa Public Health welcomes today’s news that Health Canada has authorized the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages five to 11. I am excited about this major turning point in our fight against the novel coronavirus and its highly transmissible variants.

We know parents and guardians are eager to immunize their children to protect them from COVID-19 and reduce disruptions to in-person learning and other activities. Ottawa Public Health yesterday released more details of its plan to immunize this age group. We are ready to make vaccination as easy as possible for your children and family. Vaccine appointments for children ages five to 11 are not yet available. More information for this age group, including how to book appointments through the provincial booking system, will be coming soon.

As a mom, I am excited to bring my children to the clinics so that they can be protected with COVID-19 vaccines. I want to encourage parents and guardians with questions to speak to your health care provider, your local pharmacist, or contact Ottawa Public Health to speak to a public health nurse to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting your children vaccinated.

And a message to the children of Ottawa - we look forward to welcoming you to our clinics. Feel free to bring your favourite teddy bear and to eat a healthy snack ahead of time. Our wonderful team of nurses are trained to make your visit as comfortable as possible. I wish it were possible for me to come thank each and every one of you for getting the vaccine, but for now, know that the choice you make matters. Thank you for contributing to Ottawa’s community immunity.

November 18, 2021 - Special statement from Dr. Vera Etches

Hello. Bonjour. Kwey.

We are turning another corner in our COVID-19 response as we anticipate approval for the vaccine for children aged five to 11 in the coming days.

Earlier today, Ottawa Public Health released more details on the plan to vaccinate children in this age group.

First, I want to address a question I have heard from many parents: should I get a COVID-19 vaccine for my child, or should I wait?

My answer is this: Once the vaccine is approved for those aged five to 11, which we anticipate very soon, don’t wait. Only vaccines that are proven to be safe, effective and of high quality are authorized for use in Canada.

COVID-19 rates are highest and growing in this age group in Ottawa right now, with introduction of COVID-19 into schools leading to disruption in learning and work for many families.

Once approved for children five to 11, booking appointments will be done through the provincial booking system and not through Ottawa Public Health. Appointments for this age group are not yet available but we want parents and caregivers to know that this information is coming soon.

When it comes to where your child can be vaccinated, a variety of options will be available.

In addition to the currently operating community vaccine clinics, three more community clinics will begin operations to accommodate additional demand for COVID-19 vaccines once this age group is approved. More information on clinic locations can be found on our website.

And, within the first week of receiving vaccine supply, Ottawa Public Health will open after-hours school pop-up vaccination clinics at different schools over four weeks. The after-school pop-up clinics will have capacity to immunize up to 10,000 children per week. A total of 73 after-hours school pop-up vaccination clinics will operate on a staggered schedule over four weeks across the city to make getting the vaccine easier for children and their families who may not be able to use the provincial booking system or travel to a community clinic.

And, families may bring their children at the same time if they make an appointment for one child.

Now, to parents and caregivers: I want to assure you that no child will be given a vaccine without your consent. Parents know their children best and our role is to provide the information required for them to make an informed decision. We do recommend that anyone that is eligible to get a vaccine do so.

School clinics will be held after school hours and no child will be given a vaccine without parental consent. We understand that parents will have questions about the vaccine. Please visit our website for the most up to date information about the COVID vaccine for children. We are turning information parents shared with us into a frequently asked questions section with answers that will be fleshed out as we get the details from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization that is examining the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in context with the risks to children from COVID-19 infection. As well, our nurses will be available to answer your questions by phone or in school environments and at the vaccine clinics.

For more information, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ChildCOVID19Vaccine.

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Ottawa, you have been exceptional when it comes to our vaccination rates. Currently, 88 per cent of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated.

That deserves to be recognized.

And while this number will go down temporarily as we expand eligibility, I have every confidence that our vaccine coverage rates will head right back up in the weeks and months following approval.

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In recent weeks, Ottawa’s assessment centres and care clinics have seen a growing trend of residents seeking a COVID-19 test five or six days into experiencing symptoms. Opting out or delaying testing adds up to a growing risk of community spread of COVID-19 and added pressures on the health care system.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, do not wait a day or two days to see if your symptoms improve. Book a COVID-19 test immediately.

Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/CovidTesting to book an appointment to get tested as soon as possible. If a test is needed for a school-aged person, they are available in each school.

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And lastly, I know many people have started thinking about the holidays and gathering with loved ones, myself included. While we are in a much different situation than we were this time last year, especially as we prepare to vaccinate younger children, I want to caution everyone to proceed with vigilance this holiday season.

Assess the risk of those with whom you are gathering. Consider everyone’s vaccination status. If you choose to attend a larger gathering with others, maintain a physical distance and wear a mask when this might be difficult. Other things we can do include holding activities outdoors, and opening doors and windows every so often to increase ventilation. Information on safer gatherings can be found on our website.

Thank you. Merci. Meegwetch.