“If people who have visited The Ottawa Hospital are concerned, could this someone have some impact on them? I want to reassure people that Ottawa Public Health will be reaching out to them, and if we have not called them, then it means they’re not on the list of close contacts for that health-care worker,” said Etches.

“We are starting to see these community transmissions and cases among health care workers,” said Etches. “Because most cases are mild and undetected, I want to emphasize the importance that everyone needs to treat all interactions with others as a potential source of transmission of COVID-19.”

She asked that everyone in Ottawa practise social distancing to the greatest extent possible — that means limiting close contact with others, even within the same household, when you can, Etches said. “Really, a gathering of one is the best.

“That also means avoiding non-essential excursions (excluding time outside when you can maintain at least a two-metre distance from other people).“

People should not visit non-essential businesses, including but not limited to clothing stores, hair and nail salons, tattoo parlours, gyms, fitness facilities, car dealerships, repair facilities, banquet halls, conference centres,” said Etches.

When it comes to ensuring those asked to self-isolated are actually doing so, Etches said, “It may be that we need to move to stronger measures, more enforcement. I’m in touch with the police services in Ottawa to get their sense of how compliance is with the order that has come under the provincial emergency declaration.”

“These are things we’re monitoring, and if we’re not seeing people take the actions that will protect others, I think we’ll have to look at other options.”

Etches confirmed that some people in Ottawa are reporting four- to five-day wait times for the results of COVID-19 testing. That’s due in part to the two-test procedure currently being practised to confirm cases, Etches said, and consideration is being given to changing that approach.

She also noted that a new lab in the region was to come online Monday, “so that will help take some pressure off.”