What you need to know about COVID-19 in Ottawa on Tuesday, April 14

Recent developments:

• A 12th person has died of COVID-19 in Ottawa.The city now has more than 600 confirmed cases.
• More than 200 people in Ottawa who tested positive have now recovered from the illness.
• More than 400 people have visited Ottawa's two respiratory illness clinics since the first one opened April 6, easing the strain on emergency rooms.
• Check out CBC Ottawa'sfrequently updated Facebook page dedicated to feel-good stories.

What's happening today?

Starting tomorrow, anyone returning from travel who doesn't have a "credible" quarantine plan will be sentto stay in a hotel or another locationchosen by the government.

There'sa new text and chat servicefor victims of abuse in Ottawa whose usual supports are unavailable during the pandemic.

WATCH:Why texting is valuable

Cautious optimism as Canada starts to flatten the curve

5 years ago

Duration 2:01

The data shows Canada may be flattening the curve for COVID-19 cases without overrunning the health-care system, but officials warn the situation is far from over.

CBC has a new interactive feature to help you navigatethe different COVID-19 government benefits.

How many cases are there?

There are now 619 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa and more than 1,125in eastern Ontario and western Quebec.

The deaths of at least 21 people in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark counties and twomorein the wider region have been tied to COVID-19.

From what we know, more than325 people out of that regional total have recovered, but somelocal health units don't share that data.

Confirmed cases represent only a fraction of the actual numberbecause of limited testing. Public health officials say there are likely thousands moreundiagnosed cases of COVID-19.

Distancing and isolating

Physical distancingprotocols remain in effect. This means avoiding non-essential trips, working from home, cancelling all gatherings and staying at least two metres away from anyone you don't live with.

Anyone who has symptoms,travelled recently outside Canada or, specifically in Ottawa, is waiting for a COVID-19 test resultmust self-isolate for at least 14 days.

WATCH: Canada might be starting to flatten the curve

PM announces new quarantine measures for travellers

5 years ago

Duration 0:48

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that, effective midnight Tuesday, anyone who enters Canada from abroad and does not have an isolation plan will be taken to a quarantine site.

In Ontario, anyone in contact withsomeone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or is presumed to have COVID-19 must also self-isolate for 14 days.

Ontario also recommends people older than 70 andthose with compromised immune systems or underlying health issuesgo into voluntary self-isolation.

How daily life is changing

Quebec hasbanned non-essential travel into and even through the Outaouais.

Municipal parks are only open to walk through, provincial parks are closedandauthorities are watching for gatherings in many communities.

Ottawa has cancelled event permits and closed many facilities until July.

WATCH: Returning travellers with no isolation plan will be taken to quarantine site

Managing anxiety, stress and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic

5 years ago

Duration 3:48

Doctors answer viewer questions about mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, including what could be causing sleep issues.

Schools in Ontario and Quebec are closed until at least May and non-essential businesses should be closed.

Public transit authorities have cutservice. Essential services like waste collection and emergency responsecontinue.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

They range from a cold-like illness to a severe lung infection. The most common symptoms include fever, fatigue and a dry cough.

Older people, those with compromised immune systems and those with underlying medical problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes are more likely to develop serious problems.

The coronavirus primarily spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can be contagious without having symptoms.

The germs can also spread through close, prolonged contact, such as handshaking, and via surfaces such as door handles, phones and light switches.

Most people with mild symptoms can self-isolate and get better. If you have severe symptoms, call 911.

WATCH: Looking after your mental health as well

Demand high as rapid COVID-19 test kits approved for use

5 years ago

Duration 1:59

There is already high demand for made-in-Canada COVID-19 test kits that were just approved for use by Ottawa. The kits are being targeted for use at airports, borders and remote communities.

Where to get tested

Anyone concerned they have COVID-19 in Ontario can fill out itsonline assessment tool.

Ottawans who are in their last trimester of pregnancy, work in health care or who work with the public and show symptoms of COVID-19 should go for COVID-19testing.

Also, any recent travellers who have cold or flu symptoms or have spent time with someone diagnosed with or presumed to have COVID-19 should visit the COVID-19 screening centre at the Brewer Arena.

The centre isopen from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 151 Brewer Way. You don't have to call ahead.

People with mild or moderate symptoms can also visit aBells Corners clinic or the clinic in the former St. Patrick's school at Heron and Alta Vista roads. Both areopenfrom 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The assessment centre at the Kingston Memorial Centre at 303 York St. is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for anyone with symptoms.

The public health unit in the Belleville area is asking people only call it at 613-966-5500 if they still have questions after the province's self-assessment.

Same for Leeds, Grenville and Lanark's unit at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2499.

It has testing sites by referral from a family doctor or the health unit only in Brockville, Almonte and Smiths Falls and a new home test service for people in care or with mobility challenges. Call the health unit to ask about one.

WATCH:Ottawa company's portable test kits approved

Are shared laundry facilities safe to use during the pandemic?

5 years ago

Duration 0:51

If you rely on shared laundry facilities, Andrew Chang has some tips on how to use them safely.

There is a drive-thru test centre in Casselman, Ont. open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 872 Principale St. for people with worsening symptoms, like the test site at 750 Laurier St. in Hawkesbury, Ont., open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. No need to call ahead.

Anassessment centre is now open in RocklandMonday to Saturday witha referral from1-800-267-7120.

There are others by appointment only in Winchester, Ont., by calling your family doctor or Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, and Cornwall, Ont. Call 613-935-7762 if you have worsening symptoms.

Only people older than age 70 in that area or who have chronic health problems or compromised immune systems can call 613-933-1375 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to ask about a home visit from paramedics.

WATCH: Here's how to use shared laundry facilities safely

Renfrew County is providing home testing under some circumstances.

Call Telehealth, your health care provider or it at 613-735-8654 if you still have more questions.

Anyone who doesn't have or can't reach a family doctor can call its new primary health-care centre at 1-844-727-6404 if they have any health questions.

Be prepared for Telehealth wait times.

In western Quebec:

Outaouais residents should call 819-644-4545 if they have a cough or fever, whether they've travelled or not. You could be referred to Gatineau's testing centre.

If your symptoms require a trip to the ER, call ahead if you can to let them know your travel history.

First Nations communities

Local communitieshave declared states of emergency, put in a curfew or both.

With a confirmed case in the American part of Akwesasne, anyone returning from farther than 80 kilometres away is asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

Anyone in Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte who has symptoms can call 613-967-3603 to talk to a nurse.

Pikwakanagan's new council has ordered all businesses to close.

Kitigan Zibi haspostponed a June election.

For more information, visit:

• Ottawa Public Health,
• Your local eastern Ontario health unit,
• The Ontario Ministry of Health (in several languages).
• TheCentre intgr de sant et de services sociaux de l'Outaouais.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada.