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Ontario
(Reported on Friday)
Announcement 2
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11: New deaths
13,063: Total deaths
1,392: people in hospital and testing positive
156: In the ICU
1,575: New confirmed cases (case numbers are considered underestimates with testing limited to certain groups)
1,284,909: Total cases
Ottawa
(Does not report on weekends)
Current public health measures
COVID-19 levels remain high in the capital, Ottawa Public Health said in a weekly “snapshot” on Thursday.
“While some of our monitoring indicators are slowly declining, this does not mean that the current wave is over,” the health unit said.
The “viral signal” in Ottawa sewage is very high but declining, OPH said. The percentage of laboratory tests that come back positive is high but is declining.
New hospitalizations are moderate and relatively stable from a week ago. New confirmed outbreaks, which since January have only been reported in institutional settings such as nursing homes and hospital wards, are moderate and declining.
Announcement 3
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With transmission rates still high, “assess your risk levels accordingly,” the health unit said. People can reduce their risk of infection, and the risk they pose to others, by wearing a mask indoors and/or in crowded public places. Stay current on COVID-19 vaccines (immediate doses available) with boosters that strengthen protection.
“This warm weather is great for seeing friends (and) family outdoors (which is less of a risk than gathering indoors),” OPH added.
“Keep gatherings small if you can and encourage attendees to be up to date on their COVID vaccinations.
“And don’t forget your sunscreen!”
Ontario has extended mask mandates in hospitals, long-term care homes, in transit, and other high-risk settings through June 11.
Announcement 4
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How to get vaccinated
Fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccines are available to Ontarians over the age of 60, as well as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people and household members over the age of 18.
Reserve vaccines through the province’s COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling 1-833-943-3900, through public health units using their own reservation systems, and at participating pharmacies.
Ottawa Public Health community clinics and after-school clinics are open for walk-in immunizations for individuals eligible for a first dose, second dose, or booster dose.
Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Ottawa
Ontario residents over the age of 70, over the age of 60 with fewer than three doses of vaccines, and over the age of 18 who are immunocompromised or with fewer than three doses and at least one risk factor, such as a chronic medical condition, can undergo be tested and evaluated for antiviral treatment.
Molecular testing has been prioritized in the province for people most at risk and those living or working in high-risk settings.
Ottawa residents can learn more about eligibility and how to book a test on the Ottawa Public Health website along with what to do if they have symptoms, test positive, or are high-risk contacts.
Where to get rapid tests
Ontario is distributing free rapid antigen tests through pharmacies and supermarkets across the province until at least July 31.
