Updates from Ottawa Public Health
Kids Come First
The Kids Come First Health Team consists of over 60 organizations, nearly 1,100 physicians, and child, youth, family, and caregiver partners who deliver services in ways that matter to children, youth, and families. Kids Come First has shared their inaugural edition of the Kids Come First Connection newsletter containing information on care clinics, as well as a Respiratory Illness Town Hall December 12, 2022. To find out more about the initiative, please visit KidsComeFirst.ca
The Kids Come First Care Clinic is available for in-person assessment and care of children and youth with acute illnesses, which include a fever, cough, or runny nose. This service is available for those without access to an in-person appointment with a primary care provider. Please note that the clinic is by appointment only. For additional information on the Kids Come First and other assessment centres, please visit Cheo.on.ca/kidscomefirst.
Weekly Snapshot
Going forward, our weekly snapshot will look a little different. We will be adding information about RSV and flu. These weekly snapshots, now titled “Respiratory Virus Snapshot”, will still be shared through OPH’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram channels and posted on our main COVID-19 website at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/coronavirus.
COVID-19 Booster Information
Vaccination is the most effective way you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the most serious effects of COVID-19. Read more about why and when you should get a booster dose: Ontario.ca/COVIDbooster
Monitoring Indicators
Wastewater virus detection levels of COVID-19 are moderate
Wastewater virus detection levels of RSV are very high
Wastewater virus detection levels of Influenza are very high
COVID-19 per cent positivity is moderate
New COVID-19 hospitalizations are moderate
New confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks are moderate
Key Takeaways
We are still seeing high levels of respiratory viruses circulating in our community.
One item to note: while the wastewater and per cent positivity levels for COVID-19 remain moderate, they are showing an increase after weeks of consistently declining. It’s a reminder that COVID-19 is still circulating and protective measures like mask-wearing and vaccination with boosters are still useful.
With the holidays fast approaching, let’s all remember...as much as many of us have been looking forward to gathering with friends & family, we must stay home when sick. Show people you care about them by not exposing them to a virus.
Speaking of the holidays, it takes 2 weeks for a flu vaccine to take effect. So in order to have the best possible protection this holiday season, this week is prime time to get your flu vaccine. Learn how on our website: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Flu
Apropos of nothing, it’s basically always prime time to get your COVID-19 bivalent booster, so long as you’re eligible. Find out if you’re eligible on our website: OttawaPublicHealth.ca