COVID-19 is something that we are all going to have to face together. Our primary concern is the health and safety of Ontarians.
We hope you are staying safe and healthy.
Thank you to all the province’s essential services workers and those on the front-line. You step up everyday to ensure individuals, families and seniors have what they need to stay safe and healthy.
Thank you to everyone else who is staying home and practicing physical distancing.
It is important to listen to the advice of Public Health experts:
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Practice social-distancing
- Stay home if you’re not feeling well
- If you are concerned or suspect you have the virus, call
Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 or
Ottawa Public Health: 613-580-6744
Please remember that all stores are closed in Ontario on Friday, April 10 and Sunday, April 12 to give workers a well deserved break.
New as of April 9
Ontario Starts Planning for Economic Recovery
Premier Ford Appoints Team to Develop Plan for Post-Pandemic Growth and Prosperity
The Ontario government has launched a new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee which will focus on getting businesses up and running and people back to work after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. While the government’s primary focus is on combatting the virus, supporting frontline health care workers and providing immediate relief to people and businesses, this new committee will be developing a plan to stimulate economic growth and job-creation in the weeks and months ahead.
The membership of the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee includes:
• Rod Phillips, Chair, Minister of Finance
• Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
• Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board
• Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation
• Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
• Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
• Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister of Indigenous Affairs
• John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
• Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure
• Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries
• Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services
• Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development
• Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
The Committee will be consulting with a wide variety of people to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the provincial economy and develop an action plan to move forward, including business associations, chambers of commerce, municipal leaders, corporate leaders, small business owners, and entrepreneurs.
Today, Statistics Canada released its monthly job numbers, which showed a 402,800 decrease in employment in Ontario. To support the provincial effort to deal with this crisis, the government launched Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19. This is a $17 billion package with funding targeted to help families and a variety of sectors across the province.
In addition to $3.3 billion in more health care resources, the plan includes $3.7 billion to support people and jobs, and relief of $6 billion by temporarily deferring taxes for 100,000 Ontario businesses, $1.9 billion to allow employers to defer Workplace Safety and Insurance Board payments, and $1.8 billion to defer municipal education property tax payments.
The government is also providing $52 million from the package to better support individuals and families in financial crisis through social assistance. This funding will support those who are not able to access federal assistance to cover needs such as food costs, rent, medicine and other essential services during this time. Individuals can easily apply online for assistance.
To support small businesses, the Ontario government has also worked with the federal government to develop the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Loan that will enable up to $40 billion in lending, supported through Export Development Canada and the Business Development Bank. This new program will help businesses meet cash flow requirements through guaranteed loans.
Ontario Creates Partnership with Volunteer Hub to Help Seniors
Province Connecting Volunteers to Community Organizations Supporting Seniors and People with Disabilities During COVID-19
The Government of Ontario is partnering with SPARK Ontario to help seniors and the most vulnerable stay connected and healthy as they self isolate during the COVID-19 outbreak.
SPARK Ontario is the province’s first bilingual volunteer hub designed to direct volunteers to where they are needed most. The needs of each community vary, but groups across the province are looking for volunteers to help deliver food or medicines, run errands or check-up on seniors and the most vulnerable by phone or email while they self-isolate.
Volunteer organizations can visit www.sparkontario.ca to post volunteer opportunities available in their communities. Ontarians interested in volunteering are encouraged to check the website for opportunities to make a difference where they live.
Seniors, people with disabilities, and others in need of assistance can also be connected to essential services in their community at any time by visiting www.211ontario.ca or by dialing 211 or 1-877-330-3212 (toll free). TTY service is also available by dialing 1-888-340-1001.
Ontario is taking action to protect the health and safety of seniors and people with disabilities during this outbreak. That includes an additional $20 million investment over two years to better protect seniors and staff at retirement homes, and an investment that will support the delivery of foods and medicines to seniors and people with disabilities to ensure they can stay home and stay healthy.
Special statement from Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health – New Care Clinic Opened in Ottawa South
With many religious holidays this weekend and in the coming weeks, this time may feel more difficult for many people. These holidays are often celebrated with gatherings of friends and family.
I urge everyone not to gather in person, even with extended family outside of your household, as we still need everyone’s efforts to flatten the curve. Instead, I encourage you to find ways to connect through technology for these celebrations.
We know following these measures has been difficult, and it’s understandable if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Personal connections are how we often support one another through tough times, and this lack of in-person connection is one facet of what makes this emergency unique and more difficult.
I encourage everyone to find ways to support their mental health at this time. Take the time to do what is best for you – whether that means taking a walk alone, taking a break from the news, or cooking a holiday meal with your household members.
Some people may consider using alcohol during times of stress. We also know that alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Ottawa. This was the case before this pandemic, and recent news reports during COVID-19 have indicated an increase in alcohol sales across the country. Alcohol use is associated with more negative outcomes for individuals and families. There are some important things we can do to ensure we are balancing our alcohol intake during these challenging times:
- Set limits for yourself and stick to them;
- Drink slowly, and have no more than 2 standard drinks in 3 hours;
- Avoid stockpiling alcohol; and
- Keep a daily routine, be physically active, and virtually connect with family and friends as healthy ways to manage stress.
For all residents, there are resources and supports available for alcohol, substance use, and mental health, as well as for women and children specifically. Please visit our OPH mental health and COVID-19 webpage to learn more and see what is available for you and your family.
Number of cases
As of 4 pm yesterday, OPH is investigating 458 lab-confirmed cases in the community and 13 outbreaks in institutions. That’s 29 new cases since yesterday. We also have 143 resolved cases.
The number of people hospitalized and in intensive care also changes daily. There are currently 30people in hospital (five less than yesterday) and 12 of them are in ICU (one less than yesterday).
Sadly, nine people now have died in total. Of these, 8 were over the age of 65 years and 1 was 45-64 years old. Six males and three females.
Increasing testing
There is now more capacity to test people at the COVID-19 Community Assessment Centre at Brewer Arena.
The priority of the healthcare system is being able to test those who are most in need of testing. High priority individuals include:
- Health care workers and staff who work in health care facilities;
- Residents and staff in long-term care facilities, retirement homes, and other institutional settings (e.g. correctional facilities, homeless shelters);
- Hospitalized patients admitted with respiratory symptoms; and
- Members of remote, isolated, rural, and/or indigenous communities.
Testing is also available for the following people to be tested for COVID-19 if they’re showing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath:
- Essential workers (people working directly with the public)
- Household members of health care workers and staff who work in health care facilities
- Pregnant individuals in the last three months of their pregnancy
- Returning international travellers
- Close contacts of confirmed or probable cases
It is also important to remind everyone that it is still not recommended for asymptomatic people from the general public to be tested.
New Care Clinic
To increase access to health services, a second care clinic opened this morning in Ottawa’s east end. It is operated by Hôpital Montfort, in partnership with Ottawa Public Health and the region’s Clinical Care Coordination Centre (C4). The clinic’s primary function is to provide treatment for people with symptoms of respiratory illness – cough, fever, and cold-like symptoms – that can’t be managed at home.
If you do need to access the Assessment Centre for testing or either care clinic over the long weekend, check out our webpage for updated Easter weekend hours.
Thank you again for all the actions you are taking as a community – these actions matter. There would be more cases of COVID-19 in our community had everyone not done their part over the past month.
Visit www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Coronavirus for the latest news and updates.
Statistics on Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) in Ottawa
This daily report provides an epidemiologic summary of COVID-19 activity in Ottawa to date. The report includes the most current information available from the integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) and a chart review of COVID-19 cases as of 4:00 p.m. April 8, 2020.
Our database is a dynamic disease reporting system that allows for continuous updates of case information. These data are a snapshot in time, reflect the most accurate information that OPH has at the time of reporting, and the numbers may differ from other sources.
Summary
- 458 laboratory-confirmed cases, including 9 deaths, have been reported in Ottawa.
- This includes 29 new cases and 2 new death since the previous report.
- 14% of cases have been hospitalized (cumulative), including 5% in intensive care (cumulative).
- The median age of cases is 47 years (range, 1 to 102 years).
- There are cases among residents from 13 institutions.
- The most common reported exposure settings for cases include: 20% with close contact with a case only, 17% with no travel and no known contact with a case, 14% with travel only, and 43% with exposure information pending.
Projecting COVID-19 Infections and Hospitalizations
Many coronavirus infections are mild or cause no symptoms. Because of this, the number of diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa represents only a small fraction of all the people who are infected (Figure 1). Diagnosed cases are often referred to as the “tip of the iceberg,” which means that for each case that is diagnosed, there are likely many individuals who are infected and unknowingly transmitting the infection to others.
Public health interventions aim to reduce transmission from individuals with known and unknown infection to other individuals.
Figure 1. Confirmed COVID-19 cases as a subset of all COVID-19 infections.
Notes for Figure 1: Within the entire Ottawa population, a large fraction of people are infected with the COVID-19 virus. Most of these people do not know they are infected, because only a fraction of infected people show symptoms (i.e., are symptomatic). Among symptomatic people, only a fraction have their symptoms recognized and confirmed with laboratory testing.
To predict the effect of different public health interventions, and to plan for how many people with COVID-19 will need care, we use models to understand how COVID-19 might spread in a population. Models take into account what we are seeing, in terms of the number of confirmed cases, and what we have learned from other countries about the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
These models produce epidemiologic “curves,” which show the number of people infected over time with different interventions, such as physical distancing. We evaluate which interventions will best “flatten the curve” and decrease the number of infections occurring within a period of time. This can assist the broader health care system with overall planning in areas like hospital admissions and intensive care unit beds. Public health interventions, such as physical distancing, can be very influential in achieving the goal of “flattening” the curve.
Ottawa Public Health is collaborating with experts at The Ottawa Hospital, University of Toronto and University of Guelph, and regional health partners, to model COVID-19 in Ottawa.
For projected population counts of confirmed cases, we use models by Ashleigh Tuite, David Fisman, and Amy Greer, University of Toronto and University of Guelph, available at: https://art-bd.shinyapps.io/Ontario_Health_Unit_IDEA_model/
For acute care projections, OPH is collaborating with Dr. Doug Manuel and colleagues at The Ottawa Hospital on a model that is more agile to changes in local data, available at:https://613covid.ca/
Learn more about the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 and the current situation in Ottawa
COVID-19 Assessment Centre and Care Clinics’ Hours over the Easter Weekend
Assessment Centre Easter weekend (April 10 – April 13) hour change: Open 9am to 3pm
A letter to the community from Chief Sloly – Policing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Community Members,
I am providing you an update on policing efforts during this public health emergency called the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is working closely with Ottawa Public Health (OPH), who is leading the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa. Community health and well-being must be at the forefront of this emergency.
We know that this is a difficult time for residents of Ottawa. Thank you for staying home, practicing physical distancing, and avoiding gatherings. These are very important measures that we all need to continue to protect public safety and well-being. By staying apart, we can reduce the spread of this terrible virus in our community.
I also know there are many concerns about this emergency and how vulnerable groups could be impacted in our city – women and children facing domestic violence, children and youth, seniors, people with disabilities, homeless and street involved people, newcomers and racialized communities, people with mental health concerns, and other marginalized groups.
Here is how we are working together to address concerns and protect communities during this emergency:
1. Engagement and Education: We are working with public health and other city partners to ensure the focus is on a public health. Together we are focused on education and warnings first and foremost – to ensure compliance. Issuing tickets is a last resort (for example, repeat complaints).
2. Requesting Identifying Information: OPS will support Ottawa Bylaw who is the lead for enforcement of the emergency act. There are strict rules when we can ask residents for identifying information (for example to issue a ticket under the act). It will not be used for any other purpose.
3. Supervision: Supervisors will be involved when an officer decides to move from public education and warnings to enforcement of the emergency act.
4. Training: Officers have completed human rights and bias awareness training. They are also receiving regular updates and training for policing during this emergency.
5. Reporting & Monitoring: We will be transparent and provide regular updates for OPS enforcement activities.
We will continue to work in partnership with city and community partners like the Community Equity Council to ensure professional, ethical, and equitable policing.
You are encouraged to visit Ottawa Public Health’s website for more information, tips and resources about COVID-19.
Be safe and stay well.
Peter Sloly, Chief of Police
Ontario has created a new self-assessment tool
If you think you have 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care. Visit here.
If you require help in Ottawa South, please visit our website for Community links and contacts.
Ottawa Public Health
For the latest updates, please click here.
Government of Ontario
Every day at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET, the Province of Ontario’s novel coronavirus (COVID-19) web page will be updated with the most up-to-date information including the status of cases in Ontario.
Government of Canada
For the latest COVID-19 updates, please click here.
For the latest on Employment and Social Development changes for employees and employers, click here.
Find out about the current reported scams related to COVID-19.