What you need to know about COVID-19 in Ottawa on Sunday, May 24
Recent developments:
Ontario confirmed 460 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, marking the highest new COVID-19 case count since May 8.
What's happening today?
Any Ottawa resident who wants a COVID-19 test can now get one, even if they don't have coronavirus symptoms, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) said on Sunday.
As restrictions designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 gradually loosen, local public health officials are expressing cautious optimism about the pandemic's course — but reminding people to not let down their guard.
The National Capital Commission has opened parking lots on the NCC's urban lands, in the Greenbelt and in Gatineau Park for public use.
A number of roadways will be closed to motor vehicles this weekend to make way for pedestrian and cyclist traffic as part of NCC pilot projects:
The westbound lanes of Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway between Booth Street and Carling Avenue on weekends until the end of May.
Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway between Aviation Parkway and St. Joseph Boulevard on weekends until the end of May.
Queen Elizabeth Driveway between Laurier Avenue and Fifth Avenue daily until the end of June.
Gatineau Parkway, Champlain Parkway and Fortune Lake Parkway daily until the end of June.
The changes come as Quebec now allows outdoor physically distanced gatherings of up to 10 people from two or three homes.
Many trails and walking paths in the region are now open, and the City of Ottawa has reopened outdoor sports facilities, multi-use fields and other park amenities. Physical distancing restrictions remain in place at all these locations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed aid agencies greater flexibility in determining who qualifies for housing — and that's given some Indigenous families a new lease on life.
LISTEN: The NCC reopens parking lots, increases access to Greenbelt, Gatineau Park
How many cases are there?
There have been 1,896 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa and 233 deaths linked to the respiratory illness. There are 2,984 known cases across eastern Ontario and western Quebec.
In total, 2,247 people in the region have recovered from COVID-19.
The deaths of 49 people in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties and 28 more in the wider region have also been tied to the coronavirus.
Confirmed cases are just a snapshot because not everyone can be tested and results take time to process, though testing criteria are being expanded.
What's open and closed?
Ontario is in "stage one" of its three-stage reopening plan. When ready, its next stage will take another step toward bringing more offices, outdoor spaces and gatherings back.
Quebec services such as dentist offices and hair salons can reopen June 1.
WATCH: What's still unknown as reopening ramps up
Gatineau Park and provincial parks are now open with limits, like the National Capital Commission and Ottawa-Gatineau city parks.
National parks start to reopen June 1.
Ottawa has cancelled event permits until the end of August. Quebec has asked organizers to cancel events until September.
Ontario schools will stay closed through the summer. Post-secondary schools are moving toward more online classes this fall, with the province promising a fall plan for younger students by July.
Quebec elementary schools outside Montreal are open. Its high schools, CEGEPs and universities will stay closed to in-person classes until fall.
Distancing and isolating
The coronavirus primarily spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People don't need to have symptoms to be contagious.
That means physical distancing measures such as avoiding non-essential trips, working from home, not gathering and staying at least two metres away from anyone they don't live with.
Ottawa Public Health recommends people wear a fabric or non-medical mask when they can't always stay two metres from strangers, such as at a grocery store.
Anyone who has symptoms, travelled recently outside Canada or, specifically in Ottawa, is waiting for a COVID-19 test result must self-isolate for at least 14 days.
The same goes for anyone in Ontario who's been in contact with someone who's tested positive or is presumed to have COVID-19.
People 70 and older or with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions should also self-isolate.
WATCH: Ottawa's chief medical officer of health says anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 can range from a cold-like illness to a severe lung infection, with common symptoms including fever, a dry cough, vomiting and the loss of taste or smell.
Less common symptoms include chills, headaches and pink eye. The Ontario government says in rare cases, children can develop a rash.
If you have severe symptoms, call 911.
Everyone in Ontario who has symptoms of COVID-19 should present themselves for testing.
Where to get tested
In Ottawa any resident who feels they need a test, even if they are not showing symptoms, can now be tested. Tests are done at the Brewer Arena from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., seven days a week, or at 595 Moodie Dr. and 1485 Heron Rd. those same hours on weekdays.
In Kingston, the assessment centre at the Kingston Memorial Centre is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for anyone with symptoms.
For local residents and employees who work in the Eastern Ontario Health Unit area, there is a drive-thru test centre in Casselman and assessment centres in Hawkesbury and Winchester that don't require people to call ahead, and others in Rockland, and Cornwall that require an appointment.
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark unit asks you to call it at 1-800-660-5853, ext. 2499 if you have questions after doing the province's self-assessment.
It has testing sites open in Almonte and Smiths Falls which require a referral, as well as a walk-in site in Brockville at the Memorial Centre and a home test service for people in care or with mobility challenges.
The public health unit in the Belleville area is asking people to call 613-966-5500 with questions.
You can still arrange a test if you have symptoms by calling one of its testing centres in Belleville, Trenton or Bancroft. If you're interested in the Picton centre, call the health unit, TeleHealth or your family doctor.
You may also qualify for a home test.
Renfrew County is also providing home testing under some circumstances. Residents without access to a family doctor can call 1-844-727-6404 if they have health questions after doing the self-assessment.
In western Quebec:
Outaouais residents should call 819-644-4545 if they have symptoms. They could end up being referred to Gatineau's testing centre.
First Nations communities
Local communities have declared states of emergency, put in a curfew or both.
Akwesasne has opened a mobile COVID-19 test site available by appointment only. Anyone returning to Akwesasne who's been farther than 80 kilometres away is asked to self-isolate for 14 days.
Anyone in Tyendinaga who has symptoms can call 613-967-3603 to talk to a nurse.
Pikwakanagan's council plans to let businesses reopen May 29 and Kitigan Zibi is keeping schools closed through the summer.
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