COVID-19 Weekly Update: May 22, 2020

The City of Ottawa’s weekly roundup of information regarding the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 22, 2020

Announcements and Events

What’s new

Here’s the City’s weekly roundup of information in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can you help? The City is seeking donations of cloth masks for vulnerable residents.
Flags are at half-mast as the City mourns the loss of an employee.
The City releases a toolkit to help businesses reopen safely.
Events that attract large numbers of participants make physical distancing impossible. The City is extending its suspension of special events, festivals and cultural programs that require City permits until Monday, August 31.
The City launched a Request for Offer for motel, hotel, apartment and other property owners to provide immediate, medium and/or long term accommodations.
Let’s play ball…safely! The City implements stage-one access to outdoor park facilities.
Join Mayor Jim Watson on Friday, May 29 for a virtual town hall on Ottawa’s economic recovery planning. The Mayor will host a discussion on how the City and local economic development partners are working together to support the local economy and planning for economic recovery.

The latest from Ottawa Public Health

Ottawa Public Health is providing guidance to both employers and employees about how to safely return to work.
A reminder to residents that as facilities and services begin to reopen, physical distance recommendations remain in place.
Gloves…should I wear them in public? The answer is no, and here’s why.

In case you missed it

In a world where the message is to stay home, the Ottawa Paramedic Service is still on the job. In addition to answering 9-1-1 calls and supporting the City’s COVID-19 assessment centres, Ottawa’s paramedics have been working in long-term care homes to help contain the pandemic outbreak.

Park Ambassador, Stephanie Bilodeau, and by-law officer Honza Poulard, explain how to enjoy the City’s outdoor sports fields and courts, while reminding residents of which activities remain out of bounds.

Ensuring our front-line heroes have access to safe, quality child care for their kids is one of the most meaningful ways that we, as a City, can support them.

Watch: I'm in(link is external)! For front-line and essential workers on the job during the pandemic, physical distancing and hand washing are more than just safety measures. They are meaningful actions the public can take to show solidarity and support for those who go to work every day to keep our city moving. #WeAreInThisTogether

The Ottawa Public Library lends 3D printers to make protective equipment. OPL’s Yvonne van Lith is “glad we were able to get these printers into the hands of the people who could make the best use of them during this pandemic.”

Unsafe at Home is a secure text and online chat service for women who may be living through increased violence and abuse at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Counsellors provide emotional support, practical advice and information about where to access support in Ottawa.

Don’t forget, you can watch live City Council and Committee meetings on the Ottawa City Council YouTube Channel. City Council meetings are also broadcast live on RogersTV Cable 22 and on the RogersTV website.