Paramedic service COVID-19 outbreak over

OTTAWA – City of Ottawa staff announced the COVID-19 outbreak declared at the Ottawa Paramedic Service on Nov. 4 is officially over.

The outbreak status was declared Nov. 4 based on two related cases and was not considered widespread throughout the workplace.

At the time Emergency and Protective Services general manager Anthony Di Monte said the Ottawa Paramedic Service underwent a thorough risk assessment with an Ottawa Public Health (OPH) inspector who has reassured the service they had very strong infection prevention and control practices in place. As a result, OPH does not recommend the service implement any further mitigation strategies at that time.

Today (Nov. 16) Di Monte was able to share good news with City of Ottawa council.

“I am pleased to inform you that we have received confirmation from OPH the outbreak status at Ottawa Paramedic Service has been lifted,” Di Monte wrote in a memo for council obtained by West Carleton Online. “Health and safety are our top priority and we will continue to follow the Ministry of Health and OPH guidelines to help ensure our staff and those we serve are protected while delivering front-line/essential services to our community.”