Socializing a concern after undisciplined long weekend

Breaches of COVID-19 gathering rules over the long weekend have prompted Ottawa’s associate medical officer of health to re-emphasize public health guidance about socializing during the pandemic.

“Unfortunately, over the long weekend we observed instances of large crowds gathering in outdoor public spaces while not physically distancing or wearing masks,” said Dr. Brent Moloughney.

“I certainly understand it’s hard — this virus has been with us for the past five months, and many of us just want to get out and enjoy socializing with friends. But I can’t stress enough that we have to be wise about how we socialize.”

That means keeping gatherings small — just because the province allows up to 50 people indoors and 100 people outside doesn’t mean you should gather in those numbers. Plan for how you will maintain physical distancing between people from different households or social circles — that means no handshakes or hugs — and wear a mask when you can’t keep that two-metre distance.

Carry a mask and hand sanitizer like you would a wallet or cellphone, said Moloughney.

“If you’re uncomfortable in any scenario — leave. And if you’re sick, please stay home.”

After recording just four new cases of COVID-19 on Monday and no new cases Tuesday, Ottawa Public Health reported 16 on Wednesday. But Moloughney warned against reading too much into the decrease and apparent rebound — with the long weekend, fewer people seeking testing and fewer venues open may have led to a temporary decline in the detection of cases.

Moloughney also tried to clarify misconceptions around COVID-19 testing. If you’re concerned you’ve been exposed to the virus, you shouldn’t seek testing immediately. In order to give the virus time to become detectable you need to wait about five days, he said.

There are also “situations where people are wanting to be reassured — it might be that they’re starting a new job, or they’re going to a gathering, or with a loved one and want that reassurance of a negative test,” Moloughney said. “The challenge is that the result only gives you an answer for the day you were tested.”

You might be infected, but it’s too early for the test to detect it. Or, you could pick up the virus after getting tested, he explained. That’s not to discourage people with symptoms or contact with a COVID-19 patient from getting tested — but they should be aware of its nuances and limitations.

In other news, Ontario Tourism Minister Lisa MacLeod said theme parks and water parks, including Calypso water park in Limoges, will not be allowed to welcome back the public in Stage 3 of Ontario’s reopening framework.

MacLeod said that Ontario’s medical officer of health has advised that theme parks and water parks can “still pose a significant threat as a result of COVID-19.”