Ottawa Public Health urging those exposed to COVID-19 to do their own contact tracing

As the amount of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Ottawa is increasing, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is finding it challenging to conduct contact tracing for those who have been exposed to the virus. 

With rates of COVID-19 growing steeply in our community and with people having numerous contacts, our contact tracing ability is being challenged. If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, please self-isolate and notify high-risk contacts immediately. (1/2)

— Ottawa Public Health (@OttawaHealth) December 13, 2021

OPH will still get in contact with those who have been exposed to the virus, but it says residents can expect delays. 

In the meantime, isolating from household members or in an isolation centre is highly recommended for anyone who believes they've been exposed to COVID-19. 

As levels of the Omicron variant increase in the city, public health is also urging residents to limit their close contacts, especially as the holidays draw near.