Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
ExecHealth will remain open and available to its clients during this pandemic. Where possible we are conducting medical appointments virtually (video and telephone) to maintain physical distancing. Infection control protocols are also in place for all in-person medical visits. Please call us at 613-216-3932 if you require medical attention or prescription renewals.
We are also committed to keeping you up-to-date on the most relevant information related to coronavirus. Here is the latest.
April 1, 2021
The Ontario government is now rolling out the AstraZeneca vaccine to adults 55 years of age and older through 34 pharmacies in the Ottawa area. A list of participating pharmacies and booking procedures can be found here https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations
Although the government has indicated that the vaccine will eventually be made available to physicians’ offices, it has not yet given a timeline. ExecHealth expects that the vaccine will be available through our office in late spring or early summer.
December 31, 2020.
Vaccine Now Available In Ontario
COVID-19 vaccine is now available on a limited basis in Ontario. There are currently 2 vaccines (produced by Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna) that have been approved for use in Canada. It is expected that other vaccines, including the more stable Astra Zeneca vaccine, will also be approved in the coming weeks.
Vaccine distribution will take place in 3 phases in Ontario (subject to vaccine availability):
Phase 1 (December – April)
- Vaccine distributed to frontline health workers, essential caregivers, long-term care and retirement home residents and First Nation communities
Phase 2 (April-July)
- Vaccine distributed to congregate care settings (e.g. shelters) and adults over the age of 75 years
Phase 3 (August)
- Vaccine distributed to the wider population
ExecHealth expects to have access to vaccine during the third phase of rollout. Further communication to clients will be made as information becomes available.
December 23, 2020.
Health Canada has approved Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in Canada. 168,000 doses are expected to arrive by the end of the year.
December 9, 2020.
Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
October 3, 2020.
Provincial Covid-19 test centres are now moving to appointment-based bookings. As of October 6,2020 walk-ins will no longer be accepted. https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-test-and-testing-location-information
Latest criteria for school and child-care testing can be found here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
September 16, 2020.
Antibody Testing
Covid-19 antibody testing is now available in Ontario https://www.dynacare.ca/covid19-antibody-test.aspx. The cost of the test is $70 and requires a requisition from a physician.
It is important to note that a positive antibody test is not indicative of future immunity or lack of previous infection.
September 4, 2020.
Drive Through COVID-19 Testing Now Available By Appointment
Ottawa Public Health and The Ottawa Hospital have opened a drive through COVID testing facility at RCGT Park, located on Coventry Rd.
Individual appointment bookings can be made online at https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/shared-content/assessment-centres.aspx
July 31, 2020.
Federal Government Launches Contact Tracing App
The Federal Government has launched a COVID-19 contact tracing app to identify whether you have been in contact with an individual who has contracted COVID-19. Information about this app can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html
July 7, 2020.
Ottawa Public Health To Make Masks Mandatory In Indoor Public Spaces
Ottawa Public Health has put out a statement indicating that the use of masks will be made mandatory in many indoor public spaces. https://tinyurl.com/ybunyup8
May 25, 2020.
COVID-19 Testing Now Available To All
As Ontario sees an uptick in cases, Ottawa Public Health is making COVID-19 testing more widely available. Anyone who is concerned about having been exposed to COVID-19 may now get tested by attending a COVID-19 test center. You are no longer required to exhibit symptoms and a doctor’s referral is not needed.
COVID-19 Antibody Testing
ExecHealth has received numerous requests for COVID-19 antibody testing.
Although Health Canada has approved the first COVID-19 antibody test for use in Canada, this test is intended for research purposes and is not currently available to individuals.
Health Canada is reviewing a number of antibody test for individuals. ExecHealth’s intention is to make this testing available to its clients once approved.
May 13, 2020.
COVID-19 Testing Now More Widely Available
Ottawa Public Health is increasing the availability of COVID-19 testing by expanding the criteria for testing. People now exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 may be tested. These symptoms include:
Classic symptoms such as feeling feverish, new or worsening cough, and/or difficulty breathing.
Other symptoms can include: sore throat, difficulty swallowing, loss of taste/smell, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pneumonia, runny nose*, or nasal congestion*
- *In the absence of underlying reason for these symptoms such as seasonal allergies and post-nasal drip
Less common symptoms include unexplained fatigue/malaise, delirium (a serious medical condition that involves confusion, changes to memory, and odd behaviours), unexplained or increased number of falls, acute functional decline, worsening of chronic conditions, chills, headaches, conjunctivitis, croup, or multisystem inflammatory vasculitis in children (inflammation of blood vessels); an infected infant could also have trouble feeding.
Additional information about COVID-19 testing can be found on the Ottawa Public Health web site https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/novel-coronavirus.aspx
First COVID-19 Antibody Test Now Approved In Canada
Health Canada has approved the first COVID-19 antibody test for use in Canada. This Italian made test can determine whether an individual has been exposed to COVID-19 and has developed antibodies. Although little information has been released, it appears as though this testing will be limited to population level research, and not available to individuals.
It is important to note that, although antibodies generally imply immunity to disease, this link between antibodies and COVID-19 immunity has not yet been established.
April 20, 2020.
COVID-19 is understandably causing a level of stress and anxiety. Whether dealing with cabin fever, or more severe anxiety related to the disease, ExecHealth’s Dr. Emily Segal has some simple yet powerful recommendations to help you through this uncertain time. Read More
April 13, 2020. Mask Use
While originally advising against the use of masks, health officials have now changed their position. Officials are now endorsing the utilization of non-medical face coverings in situations where physical distancing is difficult – such as visits to the grocery store or while on public transit. Non-medical masks are recommended because of the shortage of medical masks that should be reserved for frontline health workers. However, if you choose to wear a mask, there are some important facts and precautions that you should be aware of.
- The use of a mask has not been proven to protect the wearer. It primarily protects others by preventing your respiratory droplets from contaminating others or landing on surfaces. It is important to remember that people without symptoms may be infected and spreading the virus.
- Masks are not intended to replace the primary prevention advice of physical distancing, hand washing and not touching your face.
- You should be careful when putting on, and taking off a mask as these acts bring your hands close to your face. COVID-19 enters your body through your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Masks should not be placed on children under the age of 2 years.
- Here is a link to fashion your own cloth face covering https://tinyurl.com/uxphvl2
April 6, 2020 – UPDATED: Second COVID-19 Treatment Centre Now Open
As cases in Ottawa continue to increase, a new COVID-19 treatment clinic is opening today. The primary function of this clinic is to treat people with symptoms of respiratory illness (cough, fever and cold-like symptoms) that can’t be managed at home. The clinic also has the ability to provide diagnostic testing such as blood testing and chest X-rays on site.
You should attend the COVID-19 clinic if you have escalating symptoms of respiratory disease and are in need of medical attention.
The clinic is located at D.A. Moodie Intermediate School, 595 Moodie Drive. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
UPDATE: A second clinic is now open in the east end. The clinic is located at 1485 Heron Road. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Please note that you should go to the hospital emergency department if you are in distress ( e.g. significant trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or have significant worsening of any chronic disease symptoms).
The COVID-19 assessment centre continues to operate at Brewer Arena. You should attend the assessment centre if:
- You have new or worsening cough and/or fever AND
- In the past 14 days you have either travelled outside of Canada or have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Please note that treatment is not available at the COVID-19 assessment centre.
March 20, 2020.
Coronavirus Update: https://tinyurl.com/yx3glrsu
March 15, 2020.
Last week the first case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was reported in Ottawa. The situation is changing daily. Here is what you need to know.
The Government of Canada has issued a Global Travel Advisory and are advising against non-essential travel outside of Canada.
People who have travelled anywhere outside of Canada are asked to self-isolate for 14 days upon return, even if you do not have any symptoms.
COVID-19 testing is available ONLY through Ottawa Public Health. A COVID-19 assessment centre is now in operation at Brewer Park Arena. You do not need a referral and no longer have to call Ottawa Public Health in advance in order to be tested. However, testing will not be done on individuals who do not exhibit respiratory symptoms – regardless of potential exposures.
It is important to note that
- you should go to the hospital emergency department or call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing severe symptoms
- there is currently no treatment for COVID-19
- most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own at home
- children under the age of 6 months showing symptoms should be taken to CHEO
In addition to frequent hand washing and avoiding touching your face, social distancing is your best defense against this virus. It is okay to go about your daily activities, but avoid crowded areas and locations that might expose you to others who may be carrying this virus.
The situation is changing on a daily basis. The most up-to-date information about this outbreak can be found on the Ottawa Public Health website: www.ottawapublichealth.ca
March 11, 2020.
The first case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported in Ottawa. This first local case coincides with the World Health Organization declaration that coronavirus is now a global pandemic. Here is what you need to know.
Coronavirus can cause very mild to severe illness consisting of fever, and/or cough, other upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and difficulty breathing (shortness of breath). Your risk of severe disease may be higher if you have a weakened immune system as is the case for older people and people with chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or lung disease.
Testing for coronavirus is currently being conducted by Ottawa Public Health. Testing is recommended for all persons with fever, cough , or difficulty breathing AND any of the following within 14 days prior to illness onset
- Travelled internationally or to a Canadian province with established local transmission, or
- Close contact with a person with an acute respiratory illness who has been travelling internationally or to a Canadian province with established local transmission, or
- Close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19
Anyone fitting the above criteria should call Ottawa Public Health (613) 580-6744. A public health nurse will evaluate your situation and arrange for COVID-19 testing at a local hospital if necessary. There are currently no testing centres outside of hospitals.
Routine testing of asymptomatic persons is not recommended by Ottawa Public Health.
There is currently no treatment for this illness. Patients with coronavirus are quarantined for 14 days.
The situation is changing on a daily basis. The most up-to-date information about this outbreak can be found on the Ottawa Public Health website: www.ottawapublichealth.ca