Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
With the global COVID-19 or Coronavirus pandemic, this can be a stressful time for us all. As governments from all levels work to coordinate their response, people in Ottawa are urged to stay up to date on prevention measures and latest updates from Ottawa Public Health.
City Declares State of Emergency
The City of Ottawa declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Grocery and Delivery Services in Ward 13
COVID-19 update with information about grocery and delivery services in Ward 13.
COVID-19 Guidance for Multi-Unit Dwellings
Public Health Ottawa provided guidance for multi-unit dwellings.
COVID-19 Guidance for Retail Stores
Public Health Ottawa provided guidance for retail stores including groceries and pharmacies.
Human Needs Response to COVID-19 Crisis
The City outlined actions it will take to accommodate human needs including children services.
Federal Government Response to COVID-19 Crisis
The federal government outlined economic and health measures in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
City Responds to COVID-19 Crisis
This is an update concerning the City of Ottawa's response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
COVID-19 Directives from City & Ottawa Public Health
Update from City staff and Ottawa Public Health concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.
City of Ottawa Begins COVID-19 Response
Outline of City of Ottawa's first stages of response to COVID-19 pandemic.
Introduction to COVID-19 Virus
First update from Ottawa Public Health concerning the COVID-19 virus.
Get the latest updates on COVID-19 from our Public Health Agencies:
- Updates from Ottawa Public Health on COVID-19
- Updates from Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on COVID-19
- Updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada
Other Resources
Telehealth Ontario
For medical advice, you may contact Telehealth Ontario, a free, confidential service. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Telephone: 1-866-797-0000
Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region
Situations like COVID-19 can affect your mental health. Please reach out and ask for help, the Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region is available 24/7 to talk.
Telephone: 613-238-3311
Social Services
If you are in need of social services, please call 2-1-1.
With more cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Ottawa, including confirmation of community spread, we are urging that everyone either practice physical (social) distancing or self-isolate if applicable.
For individuals with respiratory symptoms (such as fever, cough)
- You must self-isolate for 14 days, or 24 hours after symptoms have FULLY resolved, whichever is longer
- You must not leave your home if you have respiratory symptoms
- If your symptoms are worsening to a point where you cannot manage at home, please visit your nearest emergency department
For individuals who are returning from travel
- You must self-isolate for 14 days. Do not go to community settings including the grocery store. If you need groceries or other essential items, have a family member, friend or neighbour do this for you and leave items at the door.
- If you have respiratory symptoms, follow guidance in the section above
For ALL Ottawa residents (except those listed above)
- Practice physical (social) distancing –Avoid all non-essential trips in the community
- Household contacts (people you live with) do not need to distance from each other unless they are sick or have travelled within the past 14 days.
- Cancel ALL group gatherings
- Connect via phone, video chat or social media instead of in person
- Talk to your employer about working from home (if possible)
- Avoid visiting elderly friends or relatives unless the visit is essential.
- Keep windows down for essential community trips via taxi or rideshares
- You can go outside (for example - to take a walk). While outside, avoid crowds and maintain a distance of two metres (six feet) from those around you.
For more information on testing and care for COVID-19, and how to practice physical (social) distancing, visit: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Coronavirus.
Ottawa Public Health continues to work closely with local hospitals, health care partners, the Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario and national partners to monitor and detect any cases of COVID-19 in the community.
Ottawa's Chief Medical Officer continues to recommend social distancing as a best practice for all residents, while some residents are at home in self-isolation. Though these measures are undoubtedly necessary, they can also produce significant social and economic strain.
If you are interested in volunteering to help during this difficult time, please fill out the form included below. Although the number of neighbours in need of help is not yet high, it may grow in the coming weeks. This is a quickly evolving situation and if a centralized volunteer base is created, we will redirect volunteers there.
If you are in self-isolation and require assistance, please email rideaurockcliffeward@ottawa.ca and someone from our office will reach out as soon as possible.