Last revised on March 26, 2020.

Follow Ottawa Public Health on Twitter or Facebook to receive notification of updates regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has released a video featuring the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Vera Etches, to advise how employees can prepare for a pandemic situation. OPH has also produced a special website on how to prepare for a pandemic situation.

As cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to spread internationally, it is becoming more likely that we will see worldwide spread of the virus. Canada and other countries are focusing on the containment of COVID-19. This virus has become a pandemic. Although there are currently not many cases in Canada, this could change very rapidly. According to the World Health Organization, a pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease where most people do not have immunity. In other words, a pandemic refers to the geographic spread of a virus, not its severity.

There are things you can do to prepare for this pandemic, and ensure you are prepared in case you or someone in your house becomes ill.

Get ready

Stock up on non-perishable foods gradually over the next few weeks. Be prepared for two (2) weeks should you become ill. Check out the City of Ottawa’s Safety and Emergency preparedness page to learn more about how to get an emergency kit together.

Fill prescriptions and stock up over-the-counter medications. Don’t wait to fill essential prescriptions. Fill prescriptions for an extra month if you’re able. Get refills with enough notice so that you do not run out of medication you may need. Purchase over-the-counter pain/fever medications.

Make plans for your children or other dependents in case you may be sick.

Stock up on supplies for your pets.

Stock up on cleaning supplies.

Ensure you have adequate sanitary/hygiene supplies.

Make preparations within your office. Support each other.

List of essential supplies Food Fresh veggies with a longer shelf life like beets, carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, turnip, potatoes, yams, cabbage, squash, onions Fresh fruit with a longer shelf life: apples, melon, oranges, grapefruit.

Frozen vegetables and fruit, canned vegetables and fruit, dried fruit, applesauce, tomato sauce, 100% vegetable and fruit juice Grains like rice, couscous, quinoa, bread (with a longer shelf life), tortillas, pasta, cold dry and hot cereals, bread rusks, crackers Frozen and canned meat and fish, soup, stews

Yogurt, eggs, hard cheese, non-refrigerated milk and plant-based beverages, milk powder, evaporated milk

Canned and dried beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, seeds, nut butters

Flour, oil, butter or margarine, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, jam/honey, sugar, granola bars, cookies, bouillon cubes, spices, condiments

Infant formula (if applicable)

Meal replacements (if taken for specific medical conditions)

Pet food and supplies Medications Pain and fever medicine (Ibuprofen and acetaminophen)

If possible, fill your prescriptions for an extra month

Vitamin and mineral supplements (if applicable) Sanitary/hygiene supplies Hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, bleach

Toilet paper, diapers, female hygiene products, tissues, wipes, toothpaste

Laundry detergent, dish soap, garbage bags, nitrate/latex gloves

Surgical masks (facemask) for those who are infected or taking care of the ill

Floor cleaner, mop and bucket, toilet cleaner

Limit the spread of germs

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Make sure to wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands with soap.

Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand.

Stay home if you are sick.

Do not visit people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick.