'I'm worried': Ottawa's top doctor concerned rising COVID-19 rates could affect holiday plans
Ottawa's top doctor is urging people to limit activities with unvaccinated individuals indoors and where masks aren't used, warning rising levels of COVID-19 in the community could affect your holiday plans.
As Ottawa Public Health reports the highest number of new cases in over two months, medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches warns rising cases could lead to greater public health measures before Christmas and New Year's.
"I am concerned about the level of COVID in our community right now because of the trend," said Etches.
"The rapid rise that we are seeing this week in the numbers of people between the ages of 5 and 11 who are testing positive for COVID. We have seen from experience that this rise leads to rises in other age groups and can result in hospitalizations and, unfortunately, death."
Ottawa Public Health reported 74 new cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa on Wednesday, the highest one-day case count since Sept. 26.
The 77 new cases on Wednesday followed 68 new cases on Tuesday and 55 new cases on Monday. Public health reported 13 new cases involving children under the age of 9 on Wednesday, and 14 cases on Tuesday.
"It's the social disruption that we're seeing right now, the number of outbreaks in elementary schools, the number of extracurricular activities that are being impacted and it really is about this population that's not vaccinated and the number of close contacts that people are having," said Etches.
Half Moon Bay Public School in Barrhaven is currently closed due to COVID-19, while there are COVID-19 outbreaks at 17 elementary schools and one secondary school.
At least 45 cases of COVID-19 are linked to an outbreak at the Barrhaven Martial Arts Centre.
"So I am worried, I think the time to take a look at how we can turn this around and decrease COVID transmission is now," said Dr. Etches.
"So specifically, what I would like to ask people to do is to pause and to think about putting limits on those activities where you are in contact with others who are not immunized indoors, where masks aren't used and to limit those activities. I am concerned if we don't that we will see the rates continue to affect holiday plans ...can lead to needs for greater measures."
The medical officer of health urges all residents to follow the 3 C's to limit COVID-19 transmission.
"Avoid crowds, avoid closed spaces where there's not a lot of ventilation, and avoid close contact."
COVID-19 booster shots are currently available for thousands of Ottawa residents, including residents over 70 and health care workers.
"That booster shot is recommended. It is something that is worth seeking out for that added protection," said Dr. Etches, adding there is still a "lot of capacity" for children aged 5 to 11 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.