Frequently asked questionsWhat is Ottawa Public Health doing about the situation? What is Ottawa Public Health doing about the situation?To mitigate the spread of the virus in the community, Ottawa Public Health emphasizes simple prevention measures for all and self-isolation for people who are ill. We mobilized our emergency operations and used Ottawa’s Interagency Influenza Pandemic Plan as soon as the first cases of pH1N1 flu were confirmed in Canada in late April. We enhanced our surveillance measures for the new virus and have been monitoring and managing the presence of the pH1N1 flu virus in the community and various institutions across the city. We also maintain extensive communications with our community partners, including hospitals and schools, to protect the health and well-being of all residents and visitors to Ottawa. Our activities will continue to evolve based on the patterns of spread observed in Ottawa. Will a school or childcare facility be closed if someone there has the pH1N1 flu?At this time, we are not advising schools or childcare facilities to close if someone in their institution acquires the pH1N1 virus. We do not advise schools to close during the regular flu season either. All regular activities can and should continue, but as always, ill children and staff should stay home until their fever has been absent for 24 hours and are feeling well enough to resume normal activities. What can local organizations do about the situation?Ottawa Public Health encourages all community partners, from workplaces and schools to community groups and public gathering places, to:
Other resources on infection control and pandemic planning are also available on this site. Where can I get more information?Ottawa Public Health Information Line: 613-580-6744 |
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