COVID-19: Ottawa Public Health reports 7 new deaths in semi-weekly report

dr Nili Kaplan-Mryth gives a pediatric COVID-19 vaccination to Paolo Cargnello, 2, with his mother Claire Ezzeddin. Photo by Julie Oliver /mail media

Key facts at a glance

(Reported on Friday, data as of August 4)

313: New confirmed cases (in the last 3 days)

78,741: total number of cases

7: New deaths (in the last three days)

851: total number of deaths

1,027: Active cases

30: In the hospital

3: In the intensive care unit

61: Active outbreaks

Ottawa Public Health

Ottawa Public Health has reported seven new COVID-19-related deaths in Ottawa since Tuesday.

In a message, the agency urged continued vigilance against COVID-19.

“We are halfway through this summer holiday season and community COVID levels remain high. Make the most of summer by staying healthy and using protective layers,” OPH said.

“Vaccines are the best way to protect against COVID-19. Any dose, any clinic, anytime!”

The health unit says while detection rates for sewage viruses are falling, the positivity rate is rising.

The unit continued to spread an optimistic message about the value of the vaccine for children.

“We are very excited to offer vaccines to our smallest member of the community! Book an apartment for your child aged 6 months to under 5 with Ottawa Public Health.”

COVID-19 SNAPSHOT – August 4, 2022

We are halfway through this summer holiday season and COVID levels in the community remain high. Make the most of summer by staying healthy and using protective layers.

Check out this week’s video and tweets below for more information. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/AFCHzY4dKF

— Ottawa Public Health (@OttawaHealth) August 4, 2022

Antiviral Treatments

Here’s our introduction to everything you need to know to get COVID-19 dose #4. ( (ottawacitizen.com») )

Antiviral treatments are now available for people with symptoms — even if they are mild — who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, but they must be taken within the first five days of symptoms onset.

People can use the Ontario COVID-19 Antiviral Treatment Screener tool online to determine if they are at higher risk of serious illness and could benefit from the drug.

Testing

Molecular testing in the province has been prioritized for those at increased risk and those who live or work in high-risk environments.

Ottawans can learn more about eligibility, booking a test, and what to do if they have symptoms, have tested positive, or are high-risk contacts on the Ottawa Public Health website.

Where to get tested for COVID-19 Ottawa

Because molecular testing is now being prioritized for those at increased risk of severe consequences from COVID-19 and those who live or work in high-risk environments, testing is no longer recommended for anyone with symptoms of the virus, Ottawa Public Health said.

Ottawans can find out if they are eligible and how to book a test on the Department of Health’s website. They will also learn how to find personalized assessment and treatment, as well as private testing options for travelers.

People who have symptoms or who test positive on a rapid antigen test but don’t qualify for PCR testing are likely to have COVID-19 and need to self-isolate, OPH said, with more information for their high-risk contacts.

Ontario this month moved into the next phase of the province’s reopening, with most indoor spaces no longer requiring proof of vaccination and capacity limits lifted. However, companies can choose to continue to require proof of vaccination. Masks are still mandatory.