Workplaces that are deemed essential and will stay open amongst COV 19 can be found here.
Dear College Ward Residents,
In light of the recent recommendations from City Management and Ottawa Public Health, my office will be working from home to increase social distancing and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19. My team will still be answering calls and emails. You can reach us at 613-580-2478 and Rick.Chiarelli@Ottawa.ca.
During the 30 years I've been working for you as your City Councillor, we have met community challenges by taking care of our most vulnerable. For example, during the tornado of 2018, we helped stranded seniors who needed their groceries or prescriptions picked up. We must remember those people now. Ottawa Public Health has said they are not seeking volunteers right at this moment. However, if you want to help in some way, or you need help, please contact our office and my team, and I will do my best to find a solution.
There is currently a COVID-19 testing center at Brewer Arena for those experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat, new or worsening cough, fever, or shortness of breath. You should speak to Ottawa Public Health first to make sure that leaving your home for testing is necessary.
For more information about COVID-19 please visit the Ottawa Public Health website.
During this time, we ask that individuals take the following precautions:
We understand that there is currently a lot of information coming out, but here are some details of what is happening in the community.
Financial Support:
Community Support:
The Queensway Carleton Hospital has suspended non-urgent surgeries and programs. Still, if you have a confirmed scheduled appointment, they ask that you arrive at least 30-45 mins early to allow for screening. For more information about visiting QCH, see their website here.
Transportation
OC Transpo requires all passengers to board at the back of the bus, except for those with accessibility issues. There will be additional sanitization of handrails, and stairwells as part of a regular cleaning schedule. The tape will separate the driver from passengers. Cash payment will not be accepted.
Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, and Delivery:
Farm Boy, Food Basics, FreshCo Bells Corners, Loblaws, and McDaniel's Your Independent Grocer are open from 7-8 am for anyone over 65 to shop for supplies before the store opens to the public at 8 am.
If you would like to order your food online, the PC Express website has removed the cost for pickup and lowered the price of home-delivered groceries. Walmart also offers grocery pickup.
PC Optimum has released a statement that their suppliers are meeting the demands for their customers, and there will be no increase in price or shortages in food and essential supplies.
Both Rexall and Shoppers Drug Mart have dedicated the first opening hour each day to seniors. Shoppers Drug Mart offers 20% off to seniors on regularly priced items.
Other Businesses:
IKEA closed for entry. However, IKEA.com is offering home delivery services and Click & Collect pickup.
Bell Canada, Rogers, Telus, and TekSavvy are waiving all home internet extra usage fees until April 30th to accommodate those working from home.
To help the vulnerable people in our community, I encourage residents to check up on their neighbors, and if possible to donate to the Shepherds of Good Hope and other such agencies, like the Mission, in this time of need. The latest communication from these valuable community organizations has asked for monetary donations rather than goods at this time.
In addition to donations, volunteers are also welcome to reach out. For example, Meals on Wheels is currently looking for help in delivering meals. Each act of kindness can make another person's day.
I want to thank everyone for doing their part in keeping the community safe, and please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns.
Warm Regards,
Rick Chiarelli
Due to a Watermain Excavation at Henry Farm Dr between Terrebonne Dr & Baseline Rd clients may experience interruptions in water service on September 24,2020.
Water service is expected to be restored within 8hrs.
Covid-19 Emergency Orders Extended
The Province has extended its COVID-19 emergency orders for up to 30 more days. All orders under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) have been extended to September 22, 2020, with the following exceptions:
- the Education Sector order will end on August 31, 2020
- the Limitation Periods order will end and suspended time periods will resume running on September 14, 2020
Additional Direction for Facilities
The Ontario government is easing restrictions for facilities that rent out professional meeting and event spaces. Beginning August 21, 2020, facilities can have up to 50 guests for each indoor meeting room or event space within the facility. The facility must follow a plan approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. The current indoor gathering limit will now apply on a per meeting room or event space basis at professional meeting and event facilities, including convention centres, hotels, motels, resorts, banquet halls and conference centres. Outdoor meeting and event facilities remain subject to the 100-person gathering limit for the entire outdoor area. Capacity limits exclude employees or event personnel.
In addition, new regulatory amendments have come into force requiring contact information for only one person in a party entering indoor or outdoor dining areas starting today, with exceptions. This is designed to reduce the administrative burden while continuing to support case and contact tracing.
AMO's COVID-19 Resources page is being updated continually so you can find critical information in one place. Please send any of your municipally related pandemic questions to covid19@amo.on.ca.
As Ontario works towards recovery, acting responsibly and respectfully towards each other will help keep family, friends, colleagues and neighbours safe.
Everyone can make Stage 3 a success by:
- Maintaining physical of at least two metres from people outside of your household or social circle
- Wearing a face covering in indoor and outdoor public spaces where physical distancing is a challenge
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Practising good hygiene (covering a cough and sneeze and avoiding touching your face)
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces more often
- Limiting indoor gatherings to a maximum of 50 people, or less, to maintain physical distancing
- Limiting outdoor gatherings to a maximum of 100 people, or less, to maintain physical distancing
- Staying at home and away from others if you are feeling ill or have symptoms of COVID-19
- Downloading the COVID Alert app, when launched to be notified if you have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19
- Working from home or remotely as much as possible
- Minimizing travel and self-isolating for 14 days after all international travel
- Protecting the most vulnerable by following public health advice
- Getting tested if you are worried you have or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
Workplaces and businesses can help make Stage 3 a success by developing a COVID-19 safety plan that includes:
- Enabling physical distancing by redesigning spaces/interactions and implementing flow management
- Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and high-touch surfaces as frequently as is necessary to maintain a sanitary environment
- Consider recording each patron's name and contact information to support effective contact tracing that helps keep everyone safe
- Consider requiring all customers to book an appointment in advance, wherever possible, for the purposes of physical distancing, flow management and contract tracing
- Assigning seating or spaces where possible to ensure physical distancing
- Following sector-specific workplace safety guidance and tips available at Ontario.ca/COVIDsafety
All businesses, services and public spaces when hosting an event are subject to indoor or outdoor gathering limits and ensuring physical distancing can be maintained.
People at their place of work, including performers and crews, do not count towards gathering limits.
People gathering indoors for religious services, rites or ceremonies, and wedding ceremonies or funeral services, can continue to fill up to 30 per cent of the capacity of the particular room, as introduced in Stage 2.
The Ministry of Health has announced that COVID-19 surveillance testing would begin in Long-Term Care Homes (LTCHs). Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is collaborating with the Champlain Health Region Incident Command (CHRIC), including members from the community paramedic team, to implement rapid testing of LTCH and Retirement Home (RH) staff and residents.
The purpose of this surveillance testing is to better understand the current state of COVID-19 infections in LTCHs/RHs. Infection Prevention and Control measures, including wearing a face mask at all times while at work, continue to be the most effective way to decrease COVID-19 in LTCHs/RHs. Testing provides a picture of what's happening at one moment in time and helps with early detection to track where the virus is spreading.
The first step of this testing process is a pilot surveillance exercise. The Ontario Ministry of Health will further assess the process and the data to determine next steps for surveillance testing in LTCH/RHs.
This testing will occur between May 7 and 12, 2020 in the following homes:
- Extendicare New Orchard Lodge
- Forest Hill
- Garden Terrace
- Glebe Centre
- Granite Ridge Care Community
- Longfields Manor
- The Salvation Army Ottawa Grace Manor
- Villa Marconi
- Carleton Lodge
- Centre d'Accueil Champlain
- Extendicare Medex
- Hillel Lodge
- Peter D. Clark Centre
- Royal Ottawa Place
We are anticipating individual results in subsequent days with additional time required to reconcile results for individual homes. We would, of course, follow-up immediately with homes if any positive results are received.
Various factors can make a LTCH and RN more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others, such as shared accomodations, less space in common areas for physical distancing, number of staff available, and capacity of residents to wash their hands.
For this surveillance initiative, all staff and residents of these LTCHs/RHs are recommended to be tested for COVID-19. Staff and residents who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 do not require testing. Staff who are not available while the testing team is on-site, will receive a letter recommending to go for COVID-19 testing as soon as possible.
OPH has been advised by our health system partners that sufficient supplies are available for this testing, including swabs and personal protective equipment, and that the laboratories have the ccapacity to process the volume of tests.
Due to temporary operational delay with the contracting firm, Miller Waste Ottawa, staff have updated the collection calendar at ottawa.ca/collectioncalendar so that it is posting the most up to date information so that residents will be able to confirm when their collection is to take place this week.
Ontario Cannabis Stores can Temporarily Offer Curbside Pick-Up and Delivery
Given the long-term goal of establishing a legal cannabis market in Ontario and continued operation of illegal sales, the Government of Ontario has authorized cannabis stores to offer temporary curb-side pick-up and delivery of their products. The authorization is in place immediately and will continue, possibly with extension, until provincial closure orders are lifted.
Revisions to Ontario's essential services list on April 3rd removed cannabis retail stores as essential for the purposes of the emergency response to COVID-19. Cannabis stores and others not included in the revised list were ordered to close as of 11:59 p.m. on April 4th. Prior to closing many retailers observed long line ups and strong demand. Unlike other retailers, cannabis stores were prohibited from offering their products through phone or online access - meaning these retailers were left unable to operate at all.
Sales of cannabis through curbside pick-up and delivery can be offered from 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Monday-Sunday, and products must be paid for prior to pick-up or delivery of the product Cannsell - third-party delivery is prohibited.
As is already the case with purchases through the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), AMO understands that stores offering delivery are able to do so in any municipality, including those that have opted out of allowing cannabis retail in their communities. During the Provincial Emergency Period the AGCO has announced it will pause new retail store authorizations; however, retail store operator and manager licenses will continue to be processed.
Further Suspension of Noise By-laws
In order to facilitate essential health care and residential construction, a regulation was passed (Ontario Regulation 131/20) which limits Section 451.1 of the Municipal Act by lifting municipal noise by-laws to permit certain construction work to continue outside of the normal workday/work week. The decision to work during hours that normally would be prohibited under a noise by-law is at the discretion of the construction company. This exception applies to:
- Construction projects and services in a municipality associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space, at any time of the day or night.
- Any other construction activity in a municipality may operate between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
No amendments to municipal by-laws are required.
The provincial help line at 1-888-444-3659 is a resource for clarification on what municipal construction projects could be considered to be on the revised service list. That said, it may be prudent for municipal governments to consult with legal counsel for clarity on individual projects. Any of the workplaces that remain open must abide by the directives from the Chief Medical Officer or local public health units and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
AMO's COVID-19 Resources page is being updated continually so you can find critical information in one place. Please send any of your municipally related pandemic questions to covid19@amo.on.ca.
The linked video will provide information regarding the risks of Coronavirus as well as how to protect themselves and prepare for the possibility of infection.
The video can be found here
Residents will help shape the City's Solid Waste Master Plan
Ottawa - The city is developing a new Solid Waste Master Plan that will guide how we manage waste in Ottawa over the next 30 years.
Residents will have numerous opportunities over the next 18 months to shape and influence the plan.
Here's what you can do, starting right now:
- Join the conversation and learn more about waste issues at ottawa.ca/wasteplan
- Plan to participate in public consultations starting in April
- Look out for an online survey which will be available to the public in the coming weeks
Topics for discussion in the coming months include:
- The current state of waste management in Ottawa
- The life cycle of the Trail Waste Facility landfill
- The future of recycling programs in Ottawa
- Changing regulations at all levels of government
- How industry trends will affect how the City manages its future waste
- How emerging and proven technologies will impact waste management at all levels
A report will be presented to the City's Standing Committee on Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management on March 31 outlining the current state of waste management in Ottawa, which sets the baseline for the plan's development. City Council will consider the final plan in Fall 2021.
The City manages collection, transportation, processing and disposal of blue and black bin recyclables, green bin organics, leaf and yard waste, garbage and bulky items from approximately 291,000 single-family homes and 1,700 multi-residential properties.
More facts:
- In addition to curbside collection, the City also runs specialized programs such as household hazardous waste depots, waste collection in parks and Take it Back!
- The City collects waste from approximately 60,000 locations every day.
- Every week, the City's fleet of 126 trucks criss-cross 5,600 kilometers of roadway to collect waste for our customers.
- In 2019 alone, 61,500 tonnes of material was collected through the Blue and Black Bin programs from single-family homes and multi-residential properties.
- Recycling from single family homes and multi-residential properties in 2019 generated $6.69 million in revenue, which was used to offset program costs.
- With your efforts the City diverts 43 per cent of residential waste away from landfill through Ottawa's Blue, Black, and Green Bins and leaf and yard waste programs.
- The City's owned and operated landfill is expected to be full by 2041.
Quotes:
"A municipal Solid Waste master Plan will provide the overall framework, direction, and goals for solid waste management, diversion and reduction policy over the short, medium and long term. I encourage all residents to learn about this important City service and share their feedback during the consultation process."
- Mayor Jim Watson
"As Ottawa grows and changes, we want to ensure our waste services evolve to meet new needs and challenges. A Solid Waste Master Plan will play an important role in helping the City achieve its strategic priority of Environmental Stewardship by diverting more waste away from landfills."
- Councillor Scott Moffatt, Chair of the Standing Committee on Environmental protection, Water and Waste Management
The City of Ottawa is reviewing its ward boundaries. The last major review was completed in 2005 and established the city's 23 wards.
Ward boundaries must be reviewed periodically to balance population numbers and achieve other components of "effective representation," as established by the Supreme Court of Canada and Ontario's Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board).
Since the last major ward boundary review 15 years ago, Ottawa has seen considerable population growth, with much of this growth occurring in suburban wards outside the Greenbelt the Greenbelt. Some wards are growing approximately twice as fast as other wards, which has resulted in considerable population imbalances. For example, Barrhaven (Ward 3) is now 43 per cent above the average ward population of 44,000 people, Gloucester-South Nepean (Ward 22) is 23 per cent above average and Cumberland (Ward 19) is 17 per cent above average.
In accordance with direction from City Council, an independent, third-party Consultant Team is conducting the Ottawa Ward Boundary Review 2020 in order to ensure objectivity and impartiality during the review process. The Consultant Team will conduct public consultation, interview Members of Council and hold sessions with stakeholder groups, including school boards and other associations.
Public consultation will occur in two rounds. In each round, residents and businesses can provide their line of thought through surveys, discussion at engage.ottawa.ca and nine public meetings. The two rounds of public consultation are as follows:
- Round 1 (March 4-April 3, 2020): Soliciting input on any changes the public would like to see to the current ward boundaries and how the lines should be drawn.
- Round 2 (June 12-September 20, 2020): Collecting opinions and feedback on various options for re-aligning the wards.
Following Round 1 of public consultation, the Finance and Economic Development Committee (FEDCO) and City Council will consider an Information Report from the Consultant Team that sets out options for re-aligning Ottawa's wards. It is expected that FEDCO and Council will consider the Information Report in Q2 2020.
After Round 2 of public consultation regarding the various options, a Final Report with recommendations is expected to be brought forward by the Consultant Team and considered by FEDCO and Council in Q4 2020.
Key Messages
- Starting on Friday, February 21, OC Transpo invites all Para Transpo customers to test the new reservation and cancellation web forms on octranpo.com
- This is a temporary way to book and cancel Para Transpo trips online until the full suite of online services is made available later this year.
- The interim web forms will allow Para Transpo customers to reserve a next-day or statutory holiday trip, or to cancel a trip online.
- The web forms are accessible and mobile-friendly, and can be found in the Para Transpo section of octranspo.com
- The new web forms allow customers to avoid the phone queue when making reservations and cancellations.
- We encourage all customers to test the new web forms, but we recognize that some customers will continue to use the phone lines based on their personal needs or preferences.
- To ensure access to trips remains equitable for all customers, all requests made on the phone and using the web form will be prioritized and actioned based on the time received.
- Staff will continue to work with its software supplier and the Councillor steering committee and customer working group to develop the full suite of online services for Para Transpo customer, which will be rolled out at the end of 2020.
- For more information and to provide feedback on the web forms, please visit octranspo.com.
FAQs
1. Why is OC Transpo implementing an interim web form for Para Transpo trip reservations and cancellation?
As indicated in the Para Transpo Online Services Implementation Plan Update report received by the Transit Commision in November 2019, a web form is being provided to customers as a temporary way to book and cancel Para Transpo trips online until a full suite of online services is made available to customers starting at the end of 2020.
2. How do customers test the web forms?
Customers can test the web forms by visiting the Para Transpo section of octranspo.com
Process for reserving next-day trips:
- Customers submit their requests up until 3:30 p.m. the day before the requested trip by filling out the reservation web form at octranspo.com (Note: customers can also use the web form to reserve trips on statutory holidays up to one week in advance).
- An automated email is sent to confirm that the request is received.
- Reservations are entered into the queue with phone bookings.
- Trip reservations are manually reviewed and entered by staff.
- A second email is sent to the customer to confirm their booking.
Process for cancelling trips:
- Customers fill out the cancellation web form up to one hour before the scheduled pick-up time of the booked trip at octranspo.com.
- An automated email is sent to confirm that the cancellation is received.
3. What information is required when filling out the web form?
When using the web forms, customers will need to provide the same information as they would when booking or cancelling a trip on the phone.
Trip reservations:
- Para Transpo registration number
- Customer's full name
- Trip information (date, time and pick-up/drop-off location)
- Whether a support person or companion will be riding with the customer
Trip cancellations:
- Para Transpo registration number
- Customer's full name
- Trip information (date, time and pick-up location)
Customers will also need to provide a contact email address so that OC Transpo can send the confirmation once the trip is booked or cancelled. In addition, the web form asks for a contact phone number in the event staff need to contact a customer to clarify a request received through a web form.
4. Can a support person, family member or agency fill out the web form on a customer's behalf?
Yes, a support person, family member or agency can fill out a web form on a customer's behalf. They will require the customer's Para Transpo registration number in order to use the web forms.
5. Can a customer book more than one next-day trip with the web form?
Yes, the reservation web form allows a customer to request up to four trips for the next day.
6. Can a customer create a new subscription booking using the web form?
No, the web form can only be used to reserve a next-day trip or a booking on a statutory holiday. This feature will be available in the full suite of online services, which will be rolled out to customers at the end of 2020.
7. Will trip reservations submitted through the web form be given priority over phone bookings?
No. To ensure access to trips remains equitable for all customers, all requests made on the phone and using the web form will be prioritized and actioned based on the time received.
8. Can customers still book and cancel their trips via phone?
Yes. While we encourage all customers to try out the new web forms, we recognize that some customers will continue to use the phone lines based on their personal needs or preferences.
9. How are the web forms different than the full suite of online services that are to be made available at the end of 2020
The web forms are meant to provide a temporary way for customers to reserve a next-day trip or cancel a trip online, while staff work with the customer working group and the software supplier to develop the full system. When a customer submits a request through the web form, the request requires manual intervention by staff who will take information provided in the web form, then enter it or cancel it in the scheduling system. When the full system is available, customers will make their bookings online using a computer or on a mobile app, and the information will be entered into the scheduling system directly, similar to how reservations are made for an airline or a hotel.
10. Why is there a deadline of 3:30 p.m. to reserve a next-day trip when the phone lines close at 5:00 p.m.?
This is the same time that we provide for the Para Transpo reservations call back queue to ensure that all trip requests can be actioned on a timely basis.
11. Did Oc Transpo test the web forms with customers?
Yes, testing has been completed in phases and began in late December. Last week, we invited selected customers to test the web forms. On Friday, February 21, we will be inviting all customers to test the web forms. Customers are welcome to provide us with feedback on the interim web forms via the email address noted on our website. This feedback will help us determine if any refinements are required for the benefit of customers.
12. How will customers know that their trip reservations are confirmed?
When reserving a next-day or statutory holiday trip request using the web form, customers will receive two e-mails: 1) an automated confirmation e-mail confirming receipt of their web form; and, 2) a second e-mail will be sent as soon as the reservation has been processed by staff.
13. How will customers know that their trip cancellations have been received and processed by OC Transpo?
When cancelling a trip using the web form, customers will receive an automated confirmation e-mail that their cancellation request has been received. No further action from the customer is required.
14. How will OC Transpo promote the new web forms to customers?
OC Transpo will promote the new web forms using a variety of customer information channels, including:
- E-mail to Council and Transit Commission with key messages and FAQs
- Tweets
- News item on octranspo.com
- Recorded message on the Para Transpo phone lines
- E-mail to Para Transpo stakeholder list
- Flyer distribution on Para Transpo minibuses
15. If a customer has a question or needs help using the web form, what should they do?
Should customers have any questions or would like to provide feedback on the interim web forms, they are encouraged to send us a message via the e-mail provided on the web form.
Our office received several requests for information regarding the removal of parking spots on Highgate Rd a few weeks ago. We were informed this was a result of a safety concern brought to the attention of our Traffic department by a resident. Staff reviewed the concern and had the following notes:
"While on site I did note two issues which we will be addressing. While there is a northbound Pedestrian Ahead sign on Highgate Rd., it is too far in advance of the pathway, so a second sign will be erected closer to the pathway to warn drivers of the presence of pedestrians on or near the roadway in the area of the pathway. I also noted that the current parking regulations allow for 2-3 vehicles to park to the East of the pathway, which obstructs sightlines between drivers and pedestrians approaching the pathway. The No parking zone will be extended to just beyond the pathway, so that there is a clear line of sight between drivers and pedestrians at the path."
We understand that many residents were frustrated that they were not consulted or informed prior to the implementation of parking restrictions near the pathway. We were informed by staff that when there is a legitimate safety concern determined by staff, there is no requirement for public consultation. However please be assured that our office is dedicated to keeping the community informed of upcoming changes as they happen as soon as we are informed by staff and we will be posting regular updates to this website in the future.
Many of you have expressed concerns about traffic calming and we can confirm that Flex stakes will be redeployed on Highgate again this year starting in the Spring.
Mayor Watson and Members of Council,
As many are aware, Wuhan, China reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia on December 31, 2019, which were later confirmed as caused by a new type of coronavirus not previously identified in humans.
Ottawa Public Health is following the lead of the Ontario Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada in responding to the Novel Coronavirus with a focus on keeping the people of Ottawa well.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. They can cause infections ranging from the common cold to more severe infections such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS. Symptoms of infection with this new coronavirus range from mild to severe respiratory illnesses, including fever, cough, runny nose and shortness of breath. Complications can cause pneumonia and deaths are mainly being reported in older adults with underlying chronic disease.
Chinese officials in Wuhan as well as other cities in Hubei Province are implementing exceptional measures to reduce further spread of the virus. Given the safety and security risks associated with these measures, the Government of Canada recommends that Canadians avoid all travel to Hubei province, China.
At this time, the population at risk for infection with the novel coronavirus is people who have visited Wuhan and the surrounding province of Hubei and people who have been in close contact with someone who has a respiratory illness who has been to the Hubei province within 14 days prior to their illness onset. The incubation period is the time between when someone was exposed to the virus and infected and the time when symptoms first appear. The typical incubation period for the novel coronavirus appears to be more like a few days, though information is evolving.
There are travelers who have returned from the affected area who were screened in airports in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver and who were given messaging about how to take precautions to limit exposure to others if they develop symptoms in the 14 days after their return.
Ottawa Public Health has strong partnerships with local hospitals, which test for novel coronavirus, and we are sharing provincial guidance to support primary health care providers in the community. I can confirm that rigorous processes are in place to screen individuals suspected of novel coronavirus exposure; people undergoing assessment are isolated and employees are protected from infection. We have information on our website and we are receiving phone calls to guide health care practitioners as well as members of the public regarding assessment for novel coronavirus. I encourage all who visit a hospital to read and follow instructions on hospital signage.
As of last evening, about 40 people in Ontario have been investigated with a lab test to rule out or detect infection with the novel coronavirus, given their history of travel to an affected area or exposure to someone ill who traveled to an affected area. Most of these tests have been negative. Two cases have been identified in Toronto. There has been one instance in the City of Ottawa where the decision was made to order the lab test to rule out the novel coronavirus. If this test becomes positive, I will be communicating about this.
If a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus were to be identified in Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health would work with the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Ontario Laboratory, and local hospitals in the management of the case and any contacts. Of the three confirmed or presumptive cases in Canada, all are doing well.
As I mentioned earlier, this situation is evolving and prevention of transmission of the respiratory virus is key. There are things that residents can and should do to reduce the spread of infection, which are useful for limiting the spread of infection, which are useful for limiting the spread of influenze, which is present in our community at this time.
I recommend that everyone:
- Wash your hands and wash them often with soap and water, or use alcohol hand santizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands
- Cover your cough and please sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not into your hands
- And if possible, stay home if you are sick
- Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick
- And it is still important to get your flu shot as the influenza season is ongoing
You will have likely seen in the media discussion surrounding face masks. In Ottawa there is no reason to wear a mask if you are well. Masks can provide a false sense of security, as people continue to touch the masks and then their face. The best advice is to wash your hands frequently and refrain from touching your face.
The Ottawa Public Health team has activated an incident management structure to focus efforts on being vigilant to detect and limit spread of the novel coronavirus. Ottawa Public Health is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation and responding in collaboration with partners. I will keep the public updated.
On the 31st December 2019, the World health Organization was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan City. A Novel Coronavirus was identified as the causative virus by Chinese authorities on January 7th 2020. As of January 22nd, 2020, there are no cases reported in Canada, however there have been a bit over 400 confirmed cases, mainly in China, but also in Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and 1 case in the USA. Screening has been employed in some airports to prevent the spread. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Standard recommendations to prevent infection include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs, and avoiding close contact with those showing symptoms. Additional information on the virus can be found at ipac-canada.org and who.int/health-topics/coronavirus.
Although Councillor Chiarelli must currently focus on his recovery, he collaborates with us here at the office daily, with the due authority delegated to him by Council.
As his health permits, the Councillor will be assuming more active duties however our team is empowered with the ability to assist yourself and other College Ward residents. Additionally City staff are also available to help via 3-1-1 through the City of Ottawa website. We welcome all inquiries and strive to ensure that we provide the same level of services our residents expect and deserve.