What you need to know about COVID-19 in Ottawa on Monday, April 13
Key updates on the coronavirus pandemic in the region
Recent developments:
- Ottawa Public Health has confirmed 25 new COVID-19 cases, including at Waterford Retirement Community on Bank Street.
- Two more people have died at the Almonte Country Haven long-term care home, according to the home's administrators.
- People in Carleton Place, Ont., are showing their support to residents of one local home that's seen two people die from the respiratory illness.
- The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has revised its number of COVID-19 cases downward from 191 to 176 due to a "discrepancy" in its data. It has also lowered its number of confirmed deaths to 14.
- Quebec will be inspecting all long-term care homes in the province.
- Canada has topped 25,000 COVID-19 cases.
- CBC Ottawa has an often-updated Facebook page dedicated to feel-good, local stories.
What's happening today?
Health Canada has approved quick, portable COVID-19 test kits from Ottawa's Spartan Bioscience.
Some local test centres have reduced hours or are closed today to finish the Easter weekend.
As the temperature rises, rules restricting what can be done in parks are a challenge for families in apartments.
How many cases do we have?
There are now 586 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa and more than 1,100 in eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
The deaths of at least 14 people in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties, 11 people in Ottawa and two more in the wider region have been tied to COVID-19.
From what we know, nearly 300 people in the region have recovered. Some local health units don't share this number.
Confirmed cases are just a snapshot because of the limits of testing. There are likely thousands more.
Distancing and isolating
Physical distancing means avoiding non-essential trips, working from home, cancelling all gatherings and staying at least two metres away from anyone you don't live with.
Anyone who has symptoms, travelled recently outside Canada or, specifically in Ottawa, is waiting for a COVID-19 test result must self-isolate for at least 14 days.
In Ontario, anyone in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is presumed to have COVID-19 must also self-isolate for 14 days.
Ontario also recommends people older than 70 or those with compromised immune systems or underlying health issues go into voluntary self-isolation.
How daily life is changing
Quebec has banned non-essential travel into and through western Quebec.
Parks are only open to walk through and authorities are watching for gatherings in many communities.
Ottawa has cancelled event permits and closed many facilities until July.
Ontario and Quebec schools are closed until May and non-essential businesses should be closed.
Public transit authorities have cut service. Essential services like waste collection and emergency responses continue.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
They range from a cold-like illness to a severe lung infection. The most common symptoms include fever, fatigue and a dry cough.
Older people, those with compromised immune systems and those with underlying medical problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes are more likely to develop serious problems.
The coronavirus primarily spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can be contagious without having symptoms.
The germs can also spread through close, prolonged contact, such as handshaking, and via surfaces such as door handles, phones and light switches.
Most people with mild symptoms can self-isolate and get better. If you have severe symptoms, call 911.
Where to get tested
Anyone concerned they have COVID-19 in Ontario can fill out its online assessment tool.
Ottawans who are in their last trimester of pregnancy, work in health care or who work with the public and show symptoms of COVID-19 should go for COVID-19 testing.
Also, any recent travellers who have cold or flu symptoms — or have spent time with someone diagnosed with or presumed to have COVID-19 — should visit the COVID-19 screening centre at the Brewer Arena.
The centre is normally open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 151 Brewer Way, it's closing early at 3 p.m. today. You don't have to call ahead.
People with mild or moderate symptoms can also visit a Bells Corners clinic or the clinic in the former St. Patrick's school at Heron and Alta Vista roads. Both are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
The assessment centre at the Kingston Memorial Centre at 303 York St. is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for anyone with symptoms. Today it's open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The public health unit in the Belleville area is asking people only call it at 613-966-5500 if they still have questions after the province's self-assessment.
Same for Leeds, Grenville and Lanark's unit at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2499.
It has testing sites by referral from a family doctor or the health unit only in Brockville, Almonte and Smiths Falls and a new home test service for people in care or with mobility challenges. Call the health unit to ask about one.
There is a drive-thru test centre in Casselman, Ont. open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 872 Principale St. for people with worsening symptoms, like the test site at 750 Laurier St. in Hawkesbury, Ont., open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. No need to call ahead.
An assessment centre is now open in Rockland Monday to Saturday with a referral from 1-800-267-7120.
There are others by appointment only in Winchester, Ont., by calling your family doctor or Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, and Cornwall, Ont. Call 613-935-7762 if you have worsening symptoms. Winchester's is closed today.
Only people older than age 70 in that area or who have chronic health problems or compromised immune systems can call 613-933-1375 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to ask about a home visit from paramedics.
Renfrew County is providing home testing under some circumstances.
Call Telehealth, your health care provider or it at 613-735-8654 if you still have more questions.
Anyone who doesn't have or can't reach a family doctor can call its new primary health-care centre at 1-844-727-6404 if they have any health questions.
Be prepared for Telehealth wait times.
In western Quebec:
Outaouais residents should call 819-644-4545 if they have a cough or fever, whether they've travelled or not. You could be referred to Gatineau's testing centre.
If your symptoms require a trip to the ER, call ahead if you can to let them know your travel history.
WATCH: Quebec's top doctor gets artistic tribute
First Nations communities
Akwesasne, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (MBQ) and Pikwakanagan have declared states of emergency.
With a confirmed case in the American part of Akwesasne, anyone returning from farther than 80 kilometres away is asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
Anyone in MBQ who has symptoms can call 613-967-3603 to talk to a nurse
Pikwakanagan's new council has ordered all businesses to close.
Kitigan Zibi has scaled back non-essential services.
For more information, visit:
- Ottawa Public Health,
- Your local eastern Ontario health unit,
- The Ontario Ministry of Health (in several languages).
- The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada.
Clarifications
- According to the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, there was a discrepancy in its weekend reporting of confirmed COVID-19 cases. While the health authority reported 191 confirmed cases and 17 deaths, its website now only reports 176 cases and 14 deaths.Apr 13, 2020 5:08 PM ET
