Ottawa Public Health

Meaningful relationships are vital to overall well-being.

Take time to nurture those bonds that lift you up and keep you grounded.

Learn more about the power of connection at haveTHATtalk.ca

Respiratory Illnesses

Public spaces may be crowded. When possible, consider choosing quieter spaces for infants and those who are at higher risk of complications from respiratory illnesses.
The full dashboard for this week and tips for staying healthy can be found at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RespVirus (2/2)

This week’s flu activity is moderate, COVID is low and RSV is high.
If you are travelling this March break, simple habits can help reduce the spread of illness. (1/2)

Staying up to date on routine vaccinations protects our schools and communities from diseases like measles, polio, and meningitis.

If your child does not have a health care provider, you can book an appointment here:

kcf.flow.canimmunize.ca/en/vaccinate...

Certain vaccines are required for children to attend school in Ontario.

These vaccines are publicly funded (at no cost) and are offered through your child’s health care provider.

Graphic with a green background and a pictogram of an ice storm cloud is on the left side.

Reminder: For updates and impacts to #OttCity's services due to the Significant Weather Event, visit: https://bit.ly/4b3L1Qy
Check back often for updates that will be published as they become available and follow us on our social media channels.

Concerned about a power outage?
Keep your food safe:
- Avoid opening the refrigerator door to keep its contents cold.
- Food in most freezers should remain frozen for 24 to 48 hours without power.
Learn more: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Storm

4)Does the lap belt sit low on the upper thighs?
5)Can the child remain seated for the whole trip, even while sleeping?

Your child needs to meet ALL 5 steps to ride safely without a booster. For more information, please visit seatsforkids.ca

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1)Does the child sit all the way back in the vehicle seat?
2)Do the child’s knees bend easily at the edge of the vehicle seat?
3)Does the shoulder belt lay flat against the collarbone?

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It is best practice to keep your child in a booster until the seat belt fits well without it. The ‘5-Step Test’ is an indicator that your child is ready for the belt-only. The test should be done in every seating position of each car, as it can be different.

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Warmer weather makes ice less safe. Keep yourself, your family and your pets safe by staying off icy surfaces on rivers, lakes, streams and ponds.

Learn more about winter outdoor safety: https://parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/winter-outdoor-safety/

Respiratory Illnesses

View our Respiratory Virus dashboard at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Respvirus
(3/3)

With more travel, gatherings and indoor activities expected over the coming weeks, simple habits can help reduce the spread of illness. View our factsheet for tips and what to do if you have symptoms: www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-he...
(2/3)

With warmer weather on the way and March Break approaching, respiratory virus activity in the community remains steady. Influenza and COVID-19 levels are similar to what we saw last week.
(1/3)

The suicidepreventionottawa.ca website brings together resources and information on how to help someone who may be thinking about suicide.    

For information on overdose prevention, and substance use health supports, visit StopOverdoseOttawa.ca.

have THAT talk

Looking for support beyond Black Mental Health Week? 

The haveTHATtalk.ca  website offers videos and tools to help you start conversations about mental health, social connection, and how racism can impact well-being.

Staying informed is important, and so is protecting your wellbeing.
If the news feels like too much, it is always okay to take a break or reach out for support.
Resources are available at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/WellnessServicesandResources

We’ll explore: 
✨ Beliefs and myths about addiction 
✨ The spectrum of substance use 
✨ Community strengths 
✨ Why culturally safe and fair access to care matters 

Join Zoom Meeting 
us06web.zoom.us/j/8805782189... 
 
Meeting ID: 880 5782 1895 
Passcode: 885374

Breaking the Silence: Substance Use Health in Our Communities
 
March 5th 11:00 am-12:00 pm 

Substance use and addiction look different for everyone. 
Join us for a community session on substance use health, equity, and available supports.

March is Nutrition Month! What's a balanced snack your kids love?

Cold Weather

Hi Ottawa! The Cold Warning has been lifted.
It's still pretty cold out there, so please continue to use precautions to avoid cold-weather related injuries and dress warmly! 
OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ColdWeather

Invitation card for Ottawa's Black Mental Health Week 2026 launch event on March 2nd, 9am-5pm at Ottawa Conference and Event Centre.

It’s #BMHW2026! 

Join the Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition and partners as they launch Black Mental Health Week on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Ottawa Conference and Event Centre (200 Coventry Rd, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.).  

Register to receive the full schedule of events and more: bmhweek.com 

Cold Weather

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued a cold warning for Ottawa. Very cold wind chills expected overnight into Monday morning.
Download the WeatherCAN app for the latest.
To view an interactive map of places to warm up, visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/ColdWeather

Seasonal Respiratory Infections and Enteric Outbreaks Surveillance Dashboard Seasonal Respiratory Infections and Enteric Outbreaks Surveillance Dashboard from Ottawa Public Health, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV statistics.

As always, the full dashboard for this week and tips for staying healthy can be found at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/VirusReport
(3/3)

Seasonal Respiratory Infections and Enteric Outbreaks Surveillance Dashboard Seasonal Respiratory Infections and Enteric Outbreaks Surveillance Dashboard from Ottawa Public Health, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV statistics.

We’re observing a steady pattern over the last few weeks that suggests we’re entering the final phase of the respiratory virus season, but influenza B and COVID activity might increase in late winter. We appreciate all the community has done and continues to do to keep one another safe.
(2/3)

Our respiratory dashboard this week is showing COVID-19, flu and RSV levels all holding steady and similar to last week. Local outbreaks are lower than we’ve been since November.
(1/3)

Today we stand united against bullying by wearing pink for #PinkShirtDay!
Everyone matters. Remember, you are not alone. If you or someone you know needs support, resources are available here: www.pinkshirtday.ca/additional-resources

A nurse in blue scrubs gently administering a vaccine to a young girl with curly hair in a bright medical office.

DYK our community clinics offer routine vaccination clinics for children facing barriers to accessing vaccinations. For eligibility and appointment availability, visit: https://www.parentinginottawa.ca/en/shared-content/where-to-get-children-or-youth-vaccinated.aspx#Community-Vaccination-Clinics

Seasonal Respiratory Infections and Enteric Outbreaks Surveillance Dashboard Seasonal Respiratory Infections and Enteric Outbreaks Surveillance Dashboard from Ottawa Public Health, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV statistics.

It's not too late to protect yourself from RSV. Learn more about RSV immunization at: OttawaPublicHealth.ca/RSV

Check out this week's dashboard at OttawaPublicHealth.ca/VirusReport

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Hey Ottawa,
This week, RSV activity remains high and continues to affect young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.

Flu and COVID-19 activity is moderate and similar to last week.

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