COVID-19: What you need to know on Friday, July 15

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(Reported on Friday, data as of July 14)

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444: New confirmed cases (in the last 3 days)

76,402: Total cases

3: New deaths (in the last three days)

829: Total Deaths

982: Active Cases

27: In the hospital

5: In ICU

52: active buds

Ottawa Health Associate Medical Officer Dr. Brent Moloughney told CTV in an interview Thursday that Ottawa Public Health is experiencing a “surge” in COVID-19 cases, with a COVID-19 positivity rate of 20 percent.

“We’re certainly on the rise, it’s the BA.5 variant,” Moloughney said during an interview on CTV News at Noon.

“We are seeing here in Ottawa an increase in the sewage count, the positivity rate, hospitalizations have increased for a few weeks and now we are seeing more outbreaks in long-term care and congregate settings.”

Ottawa Public Health says the new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is “another reminder: the pandemic is not over.”

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Where to get vaccinated

The province announced this week that residents ages 18 to 59 are now eligible to receive a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Moloughney says that the fourth dose is something everyone should consider for more protection.

Check out our handbook on Everything You Need to Know to Receive Dose #4 of COVID-19 here.

Antiviral treatments are now available for people with symptoms, even if mild, who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19, but must be taken within the first five days of symptom onset.

People can use the Ontario COVID-19 Antiviral Treatment Evaluator online tool to determine if they are at increased risk for serious illness and could benefit from the drug.

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Molecular testing has been prioritized in the province for people most at risk and those living or working in high-risk settings.

Ottawans can learn more about eligibility and how to book a trial on the Ottawa Public Health website along with what to do if they have symptoms, test positive, or are high-risk contacts.

Where to get rapid tests

Ontario continues to distribute free rapid antigen tests through pharmacies and grocery stores across the province until at least July 31.

Where to get tested for COVID-19 Ottawa

With molecular testing now being prioritized for people at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 and those living or working in high-risk settings, testing is no longer recommended for everyone with symptoms of the virus, Ottawa said. Public Health.

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Ottawanians can find out if they are eligible and how to book a test on the health department’s website, as well as how to find in-person screening and treatment options and private testing for travelers.

People who have symptoms or test positive on a rapid antigen test, but are not eligible for PCR testing, are presumed to have COVID-19 and should self-isolate, OPH said, with more information for their high-risk contacts.

Ontario moved into the next phase of provincial reopening this month, as proof of vaccination is no longer required for most indoor settings and capacity limits have been lifted. But companies can choose to continue to require proof of vaccination. Masks are still required.