Updates from Ottawa Public Health - March 9, 2023
Incoming Storm
A major storm is coming our way and Ottawa Public Health wants you to stay safe.
Power failures can result in foodborne illness from eating food that spoiled due to a lack of temperature control. Safe food handling tips during a power failure can be found at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FoodSafetyPowerFailure or in the attached documents.
Shoveling can be difficult and strenuous. Councillor Jeff Leiper shows us how to stay safe while shovelling.
Please continue to follow Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date information.
New Web Features
The Ottawa Public Health website now has an option for “Google Translate this Website” in the top right corner, as well as multilingual resources. These resources are offered in Somali, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, and resources for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis community members. You can also find multilingual "Why I Wear a Mask" videos for multilingual communities.
Holiday Messaging
As we prepare for holiday gatherings, we need to continue assessing our own level of risk and the risk for those around us, then make informed decisions. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the most serious effects of respiratory illnesses. Read more about why and when you should get a booster dose (Ontario.ca/COVIDbooster) and your flu shot (OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Flu)
The holidays can be a difficult time for many. Check in with your loved ones and neighbours. If you or someone you know is having trouble coping – there are resources to help. Learn more about local mental health and substance use resources in Ottawa at: Mental Health and Substance Use Health Resource List.
Weekly Snapshot and Dashboard
Our weekly Respiratory Virus Snapshots are shared through OPH’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels and posted on our main COVID-19 website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/coronavirus. Check out the dashboard displaying information about respiratory virus activity: www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/FluReport
Flu and Respiratory Virus season
Ottawa Public Health continues to inform the public of the levels of respiratory viruses in our community – through initiatives like our Risk Reduction webpage, Weekly Snapshot, COVID-19 Dashboard and weekly Flu Report.
Key Takeaways
- Our monitoring indicators continue to show high levels of flu, RSV and COVID-19 circulating in the community.
- So, what does this mean? This holiday season, it’s important to be mindful of how likely it is that you or someone you’re around may have the flu, RSV or COVID-19; and plan accordingly.
- Malls, grocery stores, and a lot of public settings will be busy this week. Wear a well-fitted mask if you’re gathering, shopping or spending time in any crowded setting. Ensure it properly covers your nose & mouth. And remember: wearing a mask protects others from you. It’s how you show them you care.
- You can also show them you care by not exposing them to any viruses. If you are sick, please stay home and do not attend any gatherings. If you know someone at your gathering is sick, don’t go!
- If you are hosting a gathering, try to gather outside (if the weather allows). If gathering indoors, take steps to ensure better ventilation (opening windows, etc.).
- And yes...getting your flu vaccine & staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines/boosters goes a long way towards keeping everyone safe.
