What you need to know about COVID-19 in Ottawa on Saturday, Oct. 16

Recent developments:

• Ottawa reported 24more cases of COVID-19Saturday.
• Ottawa gym site of possible COVID-19 exposure.
• Kingston, Ont., officials warn potential homecoming partygoers to stay home.
• The pandemic brings new creativity and scaring tactics to haunted houses across Canada.
• COVID-19forces a participation-free Rocky Horror screening at the Mayfair theatre.

What's the latest?

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) reported 24more COVID-19 casesSaturday.

They're also warning people who attended the 613Lift gym on certain dates earlier this month, that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Health officials say anyone who went to the gym during these times, should monitor themselves for symptoms:

• Oct.3 between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
• Oct. 8 between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
• Oct. 9 between 12 and 3:00 p.m

Officials in Kingston, Ont., have issued a stark warning to partygoers ready to flock to the city for Queen's University's annual homecoming celebrations, as they hope to avoid a repeat of the illegal gatherings over the Labour Day weekend.

In a video statement Thursday, Mayor Bryan Paterson told anyone looking to come to the city with the intention of attending a large, unsanctioned party:"Don't come here."

Halloween is back on, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made the haunt industry reconsider a lot about how it scares people, including designing haunted houses so people don't stick around in one room too long.

Similarly, gone arethewater pistols, confetti and rude words shouted at key momentsduring the Mayfair Theatre's annual screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.This year, the theatre will only be holding sit-and-watch screenings.

People who were born between January and August can now download QR codes as part ofOntario'sproof-of-vaccination app, with that extending to all residents as of Sunday.

The codes can be used to show proof of vaccination anywhere it's required, starting Oct. 22.

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Mark Saunders, who runs the haunted attractions at Saunders Farm in Ottawa, says actors and staff at the haunted house can control the flow of guests, keeping them a safe distance from other groups at all times.

How many cases are there?

As of Saturday,Ottawa has a total of 30,451cases ofCOVID-19.There are 257 known active cases, 29,593cases are consideredresolved, and 601people have died from the illness.

Public health officials have reported more than56,300 COVID-19 cases across eastern Ontario and western Quebec, including more than 54,300cases now resolved.

Elsewhere in eastern Ontario, 209people with COVID-19 have died. In western Quebec, the death toll is 222.

Akwesasnehas had nearly990 residents test positive forCOVID-19and has reported12 deathsbetween its northern and southern sections.

Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeghas had 34 cases and one death. Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory has had 20 cases, with one death and an active community outbreak. Pikwakanagan hasn't had any cases.

CBC Ottawa is profiling those who've died of COVID-19. If you'd like to share your loved one's story, please get in touch.

What are the rules?

Eastern Ontario:

Ontario is inStep 3 of its reopening planandis expected to announcenext steps next week.

General gathering limits are 25 people inside and 100 people outside. Those limits are even higher for organized events.

Indoor dining capacityis based ondistancing. Gymsand museumscan reach acapacity of 50 per cent inside.

Itsvaccine passport systemisin place at least until the spring.QR codes for scanningstartbeing used on Oct. 22, on top of the paper and PDF options currently in use.

Other groups in the region are also coming out with their own COVID-19 vaccine policies, including for staff.

• Here are the noteworthy vaccine policies for Ottawa-Gatineau
• Parliament to return on November 22 with focus on vaccine mandate

Western Quebec

Under its green zone rules, 10people are allowed to gatherinside private residences and 20 people outdoors which increases to 50 if playing sports.

There are no longer capacity limits for Quebec venues with assigned seats. Restaurants will lose capacity and hour limits on Nov. 1.

A vaccine passportis in place for people age 13 and up in spaces such aspublic events, restaurants, gyms and now hospitals.

Quebecers can use an app or show paper proof; people from out of province will have to show paper proof.

What can I do?

Prevention

COVID-19primarily spreads through droplets thatcan hang in the air.

People can be contagious without symptoms, even after getting a vaccine. Variants of concernaremore contagious and areestablished.

This means it isimportantto take precautions now and in the future, such asstaying home while sick and getting help with costs if needed keeping hands and surfaces clean and consideringdistancingfrom anyone you don't live with.

Masks, preferably ones that fit snugly and havethree layers, aremandatory in indoor public settingsin Ontarioand Quebecand recommended in crowded outdoor areas.

Vaccines curb thespreadof all variants of COVID-19 and go a long way toward avoiding deaths and hospitalizations,without offering total protection.

There'sfederal guidance for what vaccinated people can do in different situations.

Health leaders in the area generally say smaller Halloweengatherings are allowedwith precautionsfor the unvaccinated and/or vulnerable. Guidance can bestricter in select areas where COVID-19 is spreading more than others, such asAkwesasne and Tyendinaga.

Health Canada recommends older adults and people with underlying medical conditionsgethelp with errands.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate, as should those who've beenordered to do so by their public health unit. The length of self-isolation varies inQuebecandOntario.

Travel

All would-be travellers mustbe fully vaccinated by Oct. 30 to board a plane, train or marine vessel in Canada.

Fully vaccinated,tested and pre-approved peoplecan cometo Canada.

The U.S.willrequireall travellersto be fully vaccinated as of Nov. 8. People who've had two different approved vaccine doses will be allowed to cross the border.

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The United States has confirmed that Canadians that had different COVID-19 vaccines for their first and second dose will be recognized as fully vaccinated. The U.S. will be implementing travel restrictions on Nov. 8, only permitting fully vaccinated travellers into the country.

Vaccines

Four COVID-19 vaccines havebeen deemed safe and approvedin Canada.

The two most commonareapproved for youthas young as 12. Pfizer and BioNTech havesubmittedhave submitted preliminary trial data for their COVID-19 shot for younger kidsto Health Canada.

Canada's vaccinetask force sayspeople can wait as little as three to four weeks and up to 16 weeks between first and seconddoses. That same task force says it's safe and effective to mix first and second doses.

Ontario and Quebec aregiving certain groups third doses.

WATCH|Public Health officials say they are reviewing the data supporting COVID booster shots

There have been more than 3.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the wider Ottawa-Gatineau region combined first,second and third doses which has about 2.3 million residents.

Eastern Ontario

Ontario isvaccinating anyone whowill beage12 or older in 2021.

Peoplecanlook for provincialappointments onlineor over the phone at 1-833-943-3900. Pharmacies and some family doctorsoffer vaccines through their own booking systems.

Local health units haveflexibility, including around booking and third shots,so check their websitesfor details.

They offer doses on short notice ascampaignsshiftfrom mass clinics to mobile clinics to fill gaps in vaccine coverage.

The province has recommended people age 18 to 24 get the Pfizer-BioNTech, or Comirnaty, vaccine because the Moderna or Spikevax vaccine brings a mild risk of a rareheart condition.

Western Quebec

Anyone 12 and oldercan make an appointmentor visitapermanent ormobile walk-in clinic.

Symptoms and testing

COVID-19can range from a cold-like illnessto a severe lung infection, with common symptoms including fever, a cough,runny nose,headache, vomitingand loss of taste or smell.

Children tend to have an upset stomach and/or a rash.

If you have severe symptoms, call 911.

Mental healthcan also beaffected by the pandemic,andresources are available to help.

In eastern Ontario:

Anyone seeking a COVID-19 testcan make an appointment. Check with yourhealth unit for clinic locations and hours.

Today is the last day this year for Ottawa's Coventry Road drive-thrutest site. The city's testing task force is looking for an indoor location with the National Arts Centre garage unavailable this time.

Ontariosays to only gettestedif you fit certain criteria, such as having symptoms, exposure or a certain job.

People without symptomsbut who arepart of the province's targeted testing strategycan make an appointment at select pharmacies. Rapid testsare available in some places,including some child-care settings when risk is high.

Travellers who need a testhave a fewlocal options to pay for one.

In western Quebec:

Tests are strongly recommended for people with symptoms and their contacts.

People can make an appointment or see what their walk-in options are online. They can also call 1-877-644-4545 with questions.

Rapid COVID-19 tests are available in all Quebec preschools and elementary schools.

First Nations, Inuit and Mtis:

First Nations, Inuit and Mtispeople, or someone travelling to work in a remote Indigenous community, are eligible for a test in Ontario.

Akwesasne has COVID-19 test andvaccine clinics, with information online or at613-575-2341.

People in Kitigan ZibiAnishinabeg can call the health centre at 819-449-5593 for a test or vaccine; email is another option for vaccine booking.

Tests are available inPikwkanagnby calling613-625-1175 and vaccines, at 613-625-2259 extension 225 or by email. Anyone inTyendinagawho's interested in a test can call 613-967-3603 and should watch the website fordedicated vaccine clinics.

Inuit in Ottawa can call the Akausivik Inuit Family Health Team at 613-740-0999 for service, including testing andvaccines, in Inuktitut or English on weekdays.