'Thousands' likely infected with COVID-19 in Ottawa, Etches says

Ottawa's current tally of 19 confirmed COVID-19likely represents only a small fractionof the number of residents who have been infected with the illness, Ottawa's top doctor repeated Friday.

On Friday morning, the province confirmed three new cases of COVID-19 in the city, up from 16 on Thursday.

Provincewide, there were50 new cases Friday, raising the total in Ontarioto 308.

"It is a small piece of the picture of the infection in our community," saidOttawa's medical officer of health, Vera Etches

Based on modelling and estimates, Etchessaid there are now likely "thousands" of cases in the city.

• What you need to know about COVID-19 in Ottawa on Friday, March 20

Two of the new cases in Ottawa are men in their 40swho had close contact with another confirmed case, theministry said. The other is a man in his 80s who had been in Portugal.

Because they're likely only the tip of the iceberg, social distancing and self-isolation are all the more important, health officials say.

In cases where people must self-isolate, such as recent travellers or people feeling sick, Etches reiterated they should not leave the home for any reason, and rely on others to deliver foodand medicationas needed.

"Consider having family, friends or a neighbour shop for you and leave the supplies at your door," she said.

Delivery services are also an option, Etches said.

All others should practise social distancing, health officials advise.

• Got questions about social distancing? Here's what you need to know

Etches noted that among the cases in Ottawa, four are over the age of 65 a demographic particularly at risk for COVID-19 complications.

WATCH: Etches answers listener questions on Friday, March 20

Guidance for businesses, multi-unit buildings on the way, OPH says

5 years ago

Duration 0:51

During a news conference conducted by telephone on Friday, Vera Etches, with Ottawa Public Health, says COVID-19 guidelines are currently in development for how businesses and multi-unit buildings can best keep people safe.

One person with COVID-19 in Ottawa is in hospital but they have not yet required intensive care, Etches said.

Two more cases were reported at CFB Trenton Friday, and one more in the Belleville area outside the military base.

• Paramedic, homeless person among those infected as COVID-19 cases top 300 in Ontario

There are now 38 confirmed cases in eastern Ontario, including the cases in Trenton. There are now two confirmed cases inthe Outaouais.

Etches said Ottawa Public Health will be making an effort in short order to provide more guidance for businesses staying open during the pandemic, as well as condo and apartment building managers.

Starting next week, associate medical officer of healthBrent Moloughneywillhelp Etches keep the public informed on COVID-19 developments in the city.

WATCH: Ottawa Public Health to provide guidance to businesses

Ottawas top doctor answers your questions about COVID-19

5 years ago

Duration 21:16

Vera Etches, Ottawas chief medical officer of health, took questions from listeners on CBCs Ottawa Morning on Friday, March 20.