Ottawa Public Health strongly recommends mask use indoors as COVID-19 levels remain high
Ottawa Public Health is strongly recommending residents wear a mask in indoor and crowded public spaces, as COVID-19 levels remain high in the community during the second week of the school year.
In its weekly COVID-19 snapshot, Ottawa Public Health says its monitoring indicators are "once again showing a levelling-off of the decreases seen in previous weeks" across Ottawa.
"Levels of COVID-19 remain high in the community," OPH said on Twitter.
The COVID-19 Wastewater Viral Signal shows wastewater virus detection levels are "high" and remain unchanged since last week, according to the health unit.
A look at the COVID-19 wastewater viral signal for Ottawa on Sept. 15. (613covid.ca/website)
Tens of thousands of elementary, secondary and post-secondary students have returned to classes this month for a new school year, with no mask mandates in place in schools.
Ottawa Public Health is urging people to use the "layers of protection" against COVID-19 this fall.
"With school resuming and colder weather approaching, it’s important to continue using layers of protection against COVID-19. It’s worth noting that these layers of protection will also help protect against other seasonal respiratory viruses like colds, flu and RSV," OPH said on Twitter.
"We continue to strongly recommend wearing a mask in indoor and/or crowded public spaces."
The layers of protection include wearing a mask, being vaccinated with all the doses you are eligible for, washing your hands and staying home when you're sick.
In August, medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches stopped short of recommending everyone wear a mask in schools, but did say masks are "another layer of protection" for children, teachers and families.
"I think our children know they should always have a mask in their pocket and in their backpack and we encourage them to wear them when they're in close contact with others. It's something they've gotten used to," Dr. Etches said on CTV Morning Live on Aug. 30.
"For families where it's going to be something they want to do and their children aren't quite sure that they want to wear masks, you can have that conversation about why and how it protects them and protects others, and maybe find ways to make it easier – is it a mask they like, is it something that's comfortable for them."
ER BUSY AT CHEO
Ottawa's children's hospital is warning people to expect long wait times in its emergency department, due to high patient volumes.
"Our Emergency Department is experiencing heavier than normal volumes, and we always see the sickest, most urgent cases first," CHEO said in a statement on Twitter. "Come prepared with snacks, blankets, toys, etc. to make your wait as comfortable as possible. #CHEO is always here to provide urgent care when you need it."
On Thursday morning, the longest wait time to see a physician in the CHEO ER was 11 hours and 33 minutes. There were 57 people waiting in line to see a physician.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Key mediator Qatar urges Israel and Hamas to do more to reach a cease-fire deal
A senior Qatari official has urged Israel and Hamas to show "more commitment and more seriousness" in ceasefire negotiations in interviews with Israeli media, as pressure builds to reach a deal that would free some Israeli hostages and bring a ceasefire in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza.
BREAKING Quebec to invest $603 million to protect the French language
Quebec will invest $603 million over five years to counter the decline of French in the province, French Language Minister Jean-Francois Roberge announced Sunday.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.