The Ottawa COVID-19 Testing Task Force reports that the positivity rate for Ottawa residents testing positive for COVID-19 reached 20% on Wednesday, up from 16% on June 28 and 11% on June 24. “We’re definitely in a wave, it’s the BA.5 variant,” said Dr. Brent Moloughney during an interview with CTV News at noon. “We’re seeing here in Ottawa an increasing number of discharges, the positivity rate, hospitalizations have been increasing for a couple of weeks now, and now we’re seeing more long-term care and concentration cases.” The BA.5 subvariant is the newest mutation that includes the Omicron variant. Ottawa Public Health says the new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is “another reminder: the pandemic is not over.” “We know the things that can help minimize its effects: get stronger, wear a mask, limit your contacts and stay home when you’re sick,” the health unit said on Twitter.
WEEKLY COVID-19 SNAPSHOT – JULY 14, 2022 This new wave is another reminder: the pandemic is not over. We know what can help minimize its effects: freshen up, wear a mask, limit your contacts and stay home when you’re sick. Please watch this video and read on for more information. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/kkmJWZ6tV2 — Ottawa Public Health (@OttawaHealth) July 14, 2022 As of Monday, there were 24 people in Ottawa hospitals with active COVID-19 infection, including three in the intensive care unit. Ottawa residents aged 18 to 59 are now eligible to receive a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr Moloughney says the fourth dose is something everyone should consider to get more protection. “Certainly those who are at the highest risk; those who are over 60, those who are immunocompromised – we certainly strongly recommend that they take it, and for others it’s certainly something to consider.” Public health also “strongly” recommends that people who have received only two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine receive a third dose “as soon as possible to ensure the best possible protection.” Ottawa Public Health will provide an update on the COVID-19 situation in Ottawa on Friday.
