Time to flatten the curve again by going back to basics, Etches says

You really shouldn’t be sharing a table at a bar or restaurant with someone who isn’t in your household or designated social circle, because it’s unlikely you can maintain two metres of distance.

Nor should you be getting a COVID -19 test with the idea that a negative result means you can let your guard down and socialize freely.

This is just some of the guidance shared by Ottawa’s medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches at a Thursday press briefing that saw officials highlight a “concerning” rise in local COVID-19 cases and urge the public to think carefully about their behaviour, particularly when it comes to socializing.

According to Ottawa Public Health data, infections have steadily increased in every age group over the last month, with the exception of those aged 80 and over. Between the week of July 13-19 and the week of July 20-26, the rate of COVID -19 cases per 100,000 people more than doubled among those aged one to 19 and 40 to 59.

“That doubling of cases cannot continue. That will take us into territory that is going to overwhelm our health-care system and going to result in outbreaks in schools, day cares, long-term care homes,” said Etches, who noted rising infection rates do not appear driven by Ontario’s Stage 2 and 3 reopenings but rather gatherings and social behaviour.

On Thursday, OPH reported 15 new cases and two new outbreaks of the virus at a Grandir ensemble La Maisonnée child-care centre and the Élisabeth Bruyère longterm care home.

A total of 10 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized, with four in ICU, including a minor, while the number of active cases locally sits at 248.

More than one-quarter of those active cases are people between age 20 and 29.

“We’ve flattened the curve before, and I know Ottawa has what it takes to do it again,” said Etches.

In addition to getting “back to the basics,” such as physical distancing from those outside your household or defined social circle of up to 10 people; staying home when sick and getting tested if you have symptoms; wearing a mask indoors and outside if you can’t physically distance; avoiding touching your face and washing your hands regularly, Etches pointed out some other behaviours that could use changing.

While Ontario allows indoor

gatherings of up to 50 people, as long as two-metre physical distancing is maintained, “this idea that large gatherings are OK is not really true,” said Etches. “Large gatherings are riskier, and if you don’t have to have large gatherings, then it’s best to avoid.”

She also highlighted the erroneous perception that if you don’t have symptoms and get a negative COVID-19 test, you can know you’re not infected and relax adherence to public health guidance. It’s a mistaken belief that’s contributing to the growing demand for testing and longer wait times at local assessment centres, she noted.

In reality, it takes about five days after exposure for a test to detect COVID-19, and someone could also be exposed after going for testing.

“Getting tested for COVID-19 is not a free pass to let your guard down,” said Etches.

Anyone who wants to learn more or needs clarity about the current public health rules and recommendations can visit the Ottawa Public Health or Ontario government COVID-19 websites.