Ottawa’s rising COVID-19 numbers could lead to greater public health measures, says Dr. Etches

With the holidays drawing near, Ottawa’s top doctor is warning residents not to let up just yet with their COVID-19 restrictions and attitudes.

Following city council's nine-hour-long final meeting of the year on Wednesday, December 8, Dr. Vera Etches told reporters she is still concerned with the city’s COVID situation, given the rising numbers — especially numbers involving the Omicron variant.

“I am concerned about the level of COVID in our community right now because of the trend — the rapid rise that we’re seeing this week in the numbers of people ages five to 11 who are testing positive for COVID. We have seen from experience that this rise leads to rises in other age groups and can result in hospitalizations and — unfortunately — death.”

The city is in a social disruption right now, Dr. Etches explained, and Ottawa is seeing that in the number of outbreaks in elementary schools and extra-curricular activities being impacted.

When it comes down to it, it’s about the unvaccinated five to 11 age group and the number of close contacts people are having.

If residents play fast and loose with the rules too soon, the medical officer said, this could mean more public health measures being put in place in the near future, which could lead to disruptions in holiday plans people might have.

“I’m worried,” she said. “I think that the time to take a look at how we can turn this around and decrease COVID transmission is now. Specifically, what I would like to ask people to do is to pause and to think about putting limits on those activities where you’re in contact with others who are not immunized indoors where masks aren’t used. These are things that are in our control that we can do now.”

And if a holiday party is still on your calendar, Etches said to make sure that you gather with people who are vaccinated. It could mean the difference between not contracting the illness, fighting the illness at home or in an ICU bed.

“For children ages five to 11, we still have a lot of capacity to immunize them now, so don’t wait. And for those who are becoming eligible for a booster shot, I want to be very clear: that booster shot is recommended. It is something worth seeking out for that added protection,” she said. “We see the added value and people are talking about needing that extra boost also if we are to face Omicron.”

Other means of protection included old faithfuls like washing hands, physical distancing and wearing a mask.

Also, follow the “three c’s,” Etches said: avoid crowds, closed spaces with poor ventilation and too many close contacts.