Montreal to Ottawa rideshare driver may have been exposed to COVID-19: Ottawa Public Health

OTTAWA -

Ottawa Public Health warns a private rideshare driver may have been exposed to COVID-19 while transporting a passenger from Montreal to Ottawa this week.

The health unit is investigating after a person tested positive for COVID-19, and travelled from Montreal's Trudeau International Airport to the Barrhaven area during their contagious period on Wednesday.

The passenger left the Montreal airport in a private rideshare service at approximately 8:30 p.m., and arrived in Barrhaven at 10:30 p.m.

As part of the COVID-19 case management and contact tracing process, Ottawa Public Health follows up with close contacts of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

"The male individual who picked up a single ride-share passenger from Trudeau International Airport in Montréal for transport to the Barrhaven area in Ottawa in a white car is advised that they were likely exposed to COVID-19," said the health unit in a statement Saturday evening.

"If you picked up a passenger from Trudeau International Airport in Montréal to transport to the Barrhaven area in Ottawa (between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Wednesday), you should monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19 until December 8."

The driver is encouraged to self-isolate and call Ottawa Public Health.

The health unit recommends travelling by car only with people in your own household.

"If travelling with others outside of your own household, wear a mask, avoid any shared food or drinks, and avoid car travel with others if you’re sick," said OPH.