Dr. Etches began her verbal report with an update on the respiratory season as we head into winter and by strongly recommending mask use in confined spaces and in crowded settings. She noted that adults can be an example for children and youth in this regard. She reported that our COVID-19 wastewater virus detection levels are high and per cent positivity is very high. With respect to influenza, she noted that we had reported our first outbreak here in Ottawa about a month earlier than usual and that last week marked the start of the influenza season, with percent positivity rising quickly. She indicated that Ottawa is also seeing increasing RSV activity, particularly among children. Finally, she reported that CHEO has flagged unprecedented volumes of infants and children with respiratory symptoms from various viruses.
Dr. Etches then provided updates on OPH activities to promote Children’s Vision Month (October), work with partners, including the Kids Come First Health Team and other community partners, to explore options for access to childhood routine immunization, OPH’s work to monitor the cost of basic healthy eating in Ottawa and the collection of data using the Nutritious Food Basket survey tool, and the expansion of our Neighbourhood Health and Wellness Hubs to 15 locations across the city, in collaboration with City and community partners.
In closing, she reflected on how Board has shaped our work over the last four years and she thanked Board Members for the time they put into reading reports, asking questions, considering priorities and putting forward motions.
In the context of Dr. Etches’ Verbal Report, the Board heard from two (2) public delegations:
- Dr. Lindy Samson, CHEO
- Mr. Greg Macdougall, resident
The Board then approved Motion 26/02, introduced by Vice-Chair DeGiovanni.
The Board then voted to received the Medical Officer of Health's Verbal Report. Discussions on this item lasted approximately 45 minutes.