Fall in the capital
This summer in the nation’s capital has been much different than in years past – one that has presented Ottawans with the most significant challenges and setbacks in a generation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the vast majority of major events have been cancelled, many residents have found creative ways to enjoy the outdoors and rediscover the spectacular sights in the region. The new normal has also given many an opportunity to relax, recharge and reconnect with loved ones.
Now, as our youth enroll in online courses or return to classrooms across the city, and our workforce braces for a busy fall, we must remember that the virus is still very much present in our community. I want to once again thank the caring residents who have worked so hard to plank the curve by respecting public health guidelines. The actions we all take will change the impact that this pandemic has on our city. Let’s continue to protect ourselves and our neighbours by practicing physical distancing, wearing masks, washing our hands frequently and finding safe alternatives to large group activities.
While we are all focused on limiting the spread of the virus, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind residents that our local businesses are still fighting each and every day to remain open, providing goods and services that our community needs. And as the winter weather quickly approaches, restaurants will soon have to close their patios, and businesses will have to find new ways to generate revenue. It is vital that we continue to support these local entrepreneurs through these difficult times. If possible, head to your neighbourhood deli for a sandwich, buy a book by an Ottawa author, or purchase a gift for a friend from a local artisan.
There is no doubt that this has been a stressful period for everyone in our city and across the globe. However, with every day that passes, we are one step closer to a vaccine. Let’s be patient, vigilant and hopeful that our collective actions will result in a safe and prosperous future for all. The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve very quickly. Please refer to OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Coronavirus to stay up-to-date on the latest information.
COVID-19 Update
Message to New and Returning Post-Secondary Students from Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa’s Medical Officer of Health
Dear new and returning students,
On behalf of Ottawa Public Health (OPH), welcome to what we all know is going to be a unique school experience. COVID-19 has required some significant shifts in the way we live our lives, and we need to continue to rely on the collective efforts of our neighbours, partners, families, roommates and friends to keep community transmission low here in Ottawa. Everyone needs to do their part.
Over the last number of months, the Ottawa community has worked together to prioritize the safety and well-being of others. For those of you who have been part of these efforts – thank you for your dedication and adherence to public health guidelines. OPH is proud to be part of such an engaged and responsible community. For those who are new or returning to Ottawa, whether this is your first experience away from home or another year on your academic journey, the expectation is that you join our efforts to control the spread of the virus. We are in this together!
Please note that OPH provides the most up-to date information on a special section of our website – OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Coronavirus, and through our social media channels. OPH continues to encourage all residents to be COVIDWise and practice the following precautions: W– Wear a mask or face covering where required or when you cannot maintain a physical distance of two metres (six feet). I– Isolate yourself from others when you are sick (and get tested promptly if you have COVID-like symptoms). S– Stay two metres (six feet) apart from those outside your household. E– Exercise proper hand hygiene; wash your hands regularly and use sanitizer especially before touching your face.
As you get settled into your new environment and establish your new routine, OPH would like to ensure you’re aware of the following information that is relevant to student life in Ottawa:
Mandatory Mask Bylaw in effect
There is a Mandatory Mask Bylaw in effect for enclosed public spaces in Ottawa. This Bylaw applies to public transportation, restaurants, bars, stores, and other enclosed public spaces, with exemptions. The bylaw also extends to the common and shared areas of multi-unit dwellings, including residence and apartment buildings, as well as taxis and ride shares. Failure to adhere to the provisions set out in the Mandatory Mask Bylaw can result in tickets being issued. OPH has been working with your school’s administration to ensure preparedness for the Fall semester. As mandatory masking policies have been implemented for all students on campus, please be sure to review your school’s policy prior to arriving on site.
OPH also wants to remind you that not everyone can safely wear a mask, and that we should all continue to be COVIDKind and show compassion and understanding towards individuals who are exempt from wearing a mask due to medical reasons. For more information about masks, please visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/masks and consult your institution’s mask policy.
Gatherings
Though this is normally a celebratory time of year for students to reconnect and make new friends, you must continue to be SocialWise to limit your close contacts: keep gathering numbers as small as possible, ensure physical distancing, meet outside rather than inside, wear masks, wash your hands often and stay home if you are ill. Both on and off campus, gathering limits remain in place. While indoor gatherings over 50 people, and outdoor gatherings over 100 people are not permitted, much smaller groups, with physical distancing measures in place, are preferred. There is zero tolerance and Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services are actively enforcing these gathering limits, with fines being issued for non-compliance. OPH encourages you to limit the number of people in your social circle to reduce the risk of further transmission.
Check out OPH’s tips for how to party more safely while being COVIDWise.
Increase in Cases
Recently, Ottawa has experienced a concerning increase in the number of persons being diagnosed with COVID-19. These results have been linked to indoor gatherings (e.g. parties) and behaviours that have demonstrated a relaxation of COVID-19 precautions. The 20 to 29 age group now has the highest number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Ottawa. It is important that you follow the COVIDWise precautions to reduce the risk of unknowingly spreading the virus. People do not always feel sick when they have the COVID-19 virus. The criteria and locations for when and where you can get tested for COVID-19, are available on the OPH website.
What happens when someone tests positive?
Students who test positive for COVID-19, or who are identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19: a) Are required to self-isolate.
b) Will be contacted by an OPH case manager for next steps and to answer your questions.
International Students
Ottawa is pleased to welcome students from all over the world. Students who are new or returning to Ottawa and arriving from international destinations are required to adhere to the 14-day isolation period set-out by the federal Quarantine Act. For more information, consult the supports available through your institution for international students.
Multilingual Resources
OPH has developed multilingual resources for diverse communities , as well as resources for First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members.
Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Services
OPH continues to offer sexual health services at our 179 Clarence Street location. As well, harm reduction services (including supervised consumption services) are also offered at this location. For information about opioids and overdoses, please visit StopOverdoseOttawa.ca.
Mental Health
We are all in this together. COVID-19 has understandably caused a lot of anxiety and apprehension for many people. It is ok not to be ok. For mental health supports, please visit OPH’s Mental Health and COVID-19 page as well as your institution’s students support services.
Be Prepared
Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. The campus where you study has an emergency plan; however, you play a big role in ensuring your own safety! Be prepared: keep extra masks handy, write down important contact numbers, consider storing non-perishable food, extra water and basic essentials. In an emergency, such as a power failure, and if you had to isolate for 14 days, these would be essential.
We understand the pandemic will present unique challenges specific to your academic and social experience at university and college. We thank you for your continued efforts in taking the necessary precautions to minimize transmission of the virus and protect the whole community by being COVIDWise.
Have a great year!
Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health Ottawa Public Health
Labour Day Service Impacts
The following services will operate on different schedules on Labour Day, Monday, September 7.
You can also find a list of City services and facilities affected by COVID-19 on ottawa.ca and octranspo.com.
Client services
- The 3-1-1 Contact Centre will be open for urgent matters that require the City’s immediate attention. Call 3-1-1 or 613-580-2400 (TTY: 613-580-2401) to speak to a customer service representative.
Green bin, recycling and garbage collection
- There will be no curbside green bin, recycling or garbage collection. Pickup will resume on Tuesday, September 8. Collection will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week.
- Multi-residential garbage containers will be collected on the regular scheduled day.
- Multi-residential recycling, green bin and bulky-item collection will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week.
- The Trail waste facility will be open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Parking and roads
- All City of Ottawa parking regulations and restrictions will apply on Labour Day. Please note, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parking control officers are not monitoring overtime parking on residential streets.
- Free parking will be available at City Hall from Friday, September 4 at 6 pm until Tuesday, September 8 at 6 am.
Transit
- On Monday, September 7, OC Transpo bus and O-Train service will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- O-Train Line 1 will run from 8 am until 11 pm, and O-Train Line 2 replacement bus service will operate from 7:30 am until 11 pm.
- Labour Day also marks the last day of special service on Routes 185, 25 and 139 to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Petrie Island.
- Use the OC Transpo Travel Planner to plan your trip.
- Masks or alternative face coverings are mandatory on buses and trains and inside stations and shelters. Help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Ottawa: don’t take public transit if you’re feeling sick, do a self-assessment before leaving home, use the hand sanitizer dispensers in select stations and always wash your hands thoroughly when you reach your destination.
- The OC Transpo Customer Service Centre at the Rideau Centre will be open from 10 am until 6 pm. All other OC Transpo Customer Service Centres continue to be closed until further notice.
- You can buy or load a Presto card:
- Using Ticket machines at all O-Train Line 1 stations and the Ottawa International Airport
- At Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore locations
- Via Prestocard.ca
- By phone at 1-8-PRESTO-123 (1-877-378-6123)
- By downloading the PRESTO app
- You can load your ParaPay account on parapay.octranspo.com or by calling 613-741-4390.
- OC Transpo Customer Service (613-741-4390 or TTY: 613-741-5280) will be open from 7 am until 9 pm.
- You can plan Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) trips using
