Posted on: Mon 29-11-2021

November 28, 2021 - Special statement from Dr. Vera Etches

The government of Ontario today announced two individuals in Ottawa tested positive for the COVID-19 Omicron variant with recent travel from Nigeria. Ottawa Public Health is conducting case and contact management and the individuals are self-isolating.  

Ottawa Public Health follows up directly with all individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 and their close contacts. To protect the privacy of the individual, Ottawa Public Health cannot disclose additional information about any case of COVID-19.

Ottawa Public Health is working with the Province to monitor COVID-19 variants of concern including Delta and Omicron.

To reduce the transmission of the Omicron variant and out of an abundance of caution, Ottawa Public Health advises individuals who have been in Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Namibia, within 14 days before arriving in Ottawa, AND members of their households to:

Immediately self-isolate even if fully vaccinated. Follow federal guidance, and any additional guidance provided by Ottawa Public Health if contacted.

Seek testing for COVID-19 at one of Ottawa’s assessment centres regardless of whether they have symptoms. Federal guidance at this time is for testing to occur immediately upon arrival and eight days after arrival.

Isolate from household members. For example, stay in a separate room or stay in an isolation centre until receiving a negative test result. For information about staying in an isolation centre please call 613-580-2424 ext. 25890 or email [email protected].

We know that this information may be concerning for some individuals. If you have questions or need help with this guidance, please contact Ottawa Public Health by email: [email protected] or by phone: 613-580-6744, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. If calling after hours, please leave a voicemail message with your contact information and a public health nurse will return your call the following day during business hours.

The best way to prevent transmission of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and remain vigilant by practising basic public health measures including wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, and limiting close contacts. If you are gathering with others, assess the risk by considering everyone’s vaccination status.

In the coming days, we may see an increase in the number of people testing positive because of transmission of the Omicron variant in Ottawa. It is important to remember that this is not a new virus and that the public health measures that we practise will help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, do not wait a day or two days to see if your symptoms improve and book a COVID-19 test immediately.

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