Kanata’s Ciena confirms second COVID-19 case, CHEO changes visitor policy

KANATA – Tech company Ciena is confirming another one of its employees at its Kanata office has tested positive for COVID-19.

At the time of the first confirmation, the company temporarily closed its campus on Terry Fox Drive until March 17, which was about 14 days after the last time the infected employee was in the office. It is believed the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ottawa was that employee who had just returned after working abroad.

In addition, the company plans to close its Ottawa campus until March 30.

Ciena made an announcement one day after the first case of COVID-19 was announced in the city, that one of its employees had tested positive for the virus.

Ciena has directed its employees to work remotely until March 30.

Meanwhile, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario 9CHEO) has made changes to its visitor policy in light of COVID-19.

Effective immediately, CHEO is implementing visitor restrictions due to COVID-19. 

Until further notice, only one parent, guardian or family representative will be allowed to accompany children to CHEO’s emergency department, or clinic or outpatient visits. 

Kids staying overnight are permitted to have two people at their bedside.

Siblings, however, are not allowed to visit. 

Starting Monday, all visitors will be screened before entering CHEO’s main building. 

The only entrances that will remain open to the public are the emergency entrance, main doors and CHEO School entrances.

Screening will soon be implemented at all sites across the region, which are yet to be determined.

Anyone who is self-isolating for COVID-19 are required to cancel their CHEO appointments by calling 613-737-2222.