COVID-19: Two new deaths in twice-weekly Ottawa Public Health Update. Closing of the Brewer Test Center on November 30

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COVID-19 in Ottawa

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(Reported on Friday, last updated on Tuesday)

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2: New deaths

965: Total fatalities

20: Ottawa resident hospitalized with infection

2: In ICU due to active infection

102: Confirmed COVID-19 patients in Ottawa hospitals as of Wednesday (including non-Ottawa residents), 45 hospitalized for COVID-19 (6 in ICU), 57 for other reasons people (4 in ICU)

152: Number of new cases of COVID-19 (number of cases is considered underestimated due to limited testing to certain groups)

86,290: total cases

344: Active Case

23: Ongoing outbreak in facility

14.3: Test positive rate in community (Wednesday 7-day average)

Source: Ottawa Public Health

Ottawa’s current public health situation

The capital’s fixtures from the early days of the pandemic will be closed next Wednesday, according to Ottawa’s COVID-19 Testing Task Force.

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“The Brewer Park COVID-19 Testing Center first opened its doors in March 2020, just days after the pandemic was declared,” the task force said in an update Thursday. “For nearly three years, Brewer has been a pillar of his COVID-19 response in Ottawa, seeing hundreds of Ottawa residents every day, and at peak times, he tested more than 1,000 a day.

However, due to a recent drop in testing appointments, “the decision has been made to close the brewer and redeploy resources and staff to where they are needed most.”

The task force, which includes local hospitals, the City of Ottawa Emergency Management Agency, the Ottawa Public Health Department, community health centers and laboratories, said it will continue to monitor demand for COVID-19 testing.

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“If testing demand rises again, as in 2020, Ottawa Hospital is ready to launch COVID-19 testing services in a matter of days.”

On Thursday, the 7-day trend of the average daily PCR tests collected was 685 tests, with a 7-day positive rate of 13.6%.

In a “snapshot” Thursday, Ottawa Public Health said COVID-19, influenza, and other respiratory viruses continue to circulate in the city.

Influenza levels detected in Ottawa wastewater are considered ‘very high’ and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 levels are considered ‘moderate’. For COVID-19, there was a high rate of return to positive lab tests, and moderate new hospital admissions and outbreaks within institutions.

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The health department again noted an “unprecedented amount” of babies and children who continue to come to CHEO with respiratory symptoms.

“We can do something,” OPH said. “Wear tight-fitting masks in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces, and stay home when you feel unwell to reduce the burden of these viruses in your community.

“Staying up to date on COVID-19 and flu immunizations also helps us better protect ourselves. We provide vaccines for

How to get vaccinated against COVID-19 (and flu) in Ottawa

OPH asked people to go online to ottawapublichealth.ca for vaccination options near you.

To book your vaccination visit the Ontario COVID-19 Vaccination Portal, call the Provincial Vaccine Liaison Center at 1-833-943-3900, make an appointment at a participating pharmacy or visit Neighborhood Wellness Please visit the hub.

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Flu vaccinations are available at over 250 pharmacies in Ottawa. The OPH Flu Shot Clinic has served her 5-year-old child and their families from the age of 6 months and continues to serve those without her OHIP who were unable to obtain vaccines from pharmacies or health care providers. I was.

How to get tested and treated for COVID-19 in Ottawa

The Ottawa Hospital Clinical Evaluation Center (1081 Carling Avenue, Suite 601) has changed the minimum age for appointments from 18 to 14 with the aim of “increasing care options for Ottawa residents within the community and outside the hospital’s emergency department.” lowered to

Ottawa residents should check the Health Unit website to see who is eligible and how to book a test, as in-state laboratory testing is prioritized for those at risk or in high-risk environments. , can be treated at any of four local clinics.

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Families can also check out CHEO’s page on when to go to the emergency department and alternatives to the emergency department, including local clinics.

Antiviral treatment is available for people with mild symptoms but at high risk of severe COVID-19, but must be taken within the first 5 days after symptoms begin.

People can use Ontario’s COVID-19 antiviral treatment screener to see if they are at high risk for serious illness and if they may benefit from medication.

Where to get a COVID-19 rapid test in Ottawa

Ontario is distributing free rapid antigen test kits through participating pharmacies and grocery stores.