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.
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.