Ottawa golf courses ace the pandemic summer with record high numbers
It’s been one of the few industries in any sector that seems to have benefitted from the COVID-19 pandemic. As the 2020 golf season winds down, a look at how this outdoor activity — relatively easy to keep compliant with public health guidelines — became the go-to recreational outlet for many people.
COVID consequences: Teletherapy tackles surging mental health crisis
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians have been experiencing a rising mental health crisis and teletherapy appointments are in high demand.
Officials hopeful they can keep Ottawa homeless shelters safe from COVID-19
While Ottawa's homeless community has seen few cases of COVID-19, the virus has disrupted routines and services necessary for continued physical and mental health.
Ottawa curling clubs hope to salvage a season as COVID-19 rages
The COVID-19 pandemic has left the upcoming curling season on thin ice as clubs report that many members won't be returning in the fall.
Get ready for a smaller Thanksgiving as COVID-19 cases rise
Thanksgiving won't look the same this year thanks to COVID-19 and added restrictions on gatherings.
Here’s what you need to know for this year’s flu season
With a rising number of COVID-19 cases in Ottawa, this year's flu season brings a lot of uncertainty. Here's what you need to know about flu vaccines.
Ottawa drive-in concert example of how COVID-19 is reshaping cultural gatherings
A closer look at Ottawa's changing entertainment scene following new COVID-19 restrictions.
COVID consequences: How pandemic fears — and coronavirus cases — have hit Carleton’s residences
Students living in Carleton University residence this school year manage their expectations as a second COVID-19 case is reported on campus.
Virtual therapy dogs offer ‘pawsitive’ support during pandemic isolation
Therapy dogs are a valuable mental health support, but the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way this “pawsitive” support is offered. Carleton University and other local institutions are adapting their programs to suit this new virtual format.
Perfect weather driving massive crowds to apple orchards, forcing managers to tighten COVID rules
Apple picking season has successfully kicked off, but massive crowds and lack of masks pose problems.
In climbing, a push to change derogatory route names is underway
For the voice of each man pretending offensive climbing route names are not a problem, there are plenty of others that buoy the need for a widespread effort to change the names of climbing routes across North America. After a broader reckoning with how we name monuments to problematic historical figures, change is coming to both online and physical guidebooks...
Tracking COVID-19: Sept. 22
Capital Current keeps up on the fast changing world caused by COVOD-19.
Ontario to begin largest flu immunization campaign in ‘Canadian history’
The province will spend $70 million in the country’s largest flu immunization campaign, ordering 5.1 million flu vaccines.
Ottawa Public Health provides mental health tips for isolated residents
As COVID-19 continues to shift the way we socialize, Ottawa Public Health provides advice for those who feel isolated during the pandemic.
Opioid overdose crisis outstrips COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, frontline workers say
The rules of physical distancing and recommended isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a spike in overdoses across the country. According to drug policy experts and advocates, the opioid epidemic has overshadowed the pandemic while also increasing the risks faced by drug users.
I downloaded the ‘COVID Alert’ app: Here’s how it went on the first day
Tracking whether you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 in Canada became a lot easier on Friday. Well, only if you’re in Ontario. On Friday, the federal and Ontario governments launched COVID Alert, the app which notifies users if they’ve been exposed to COVID-19 within the past 14 days. “Together, let’s limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future...
Amid COVID devastation, staffing crisis, ‘unacceptable’ service in Ontario’s long-term care homes persists, survey shows
Ninety-five per cent of respondents in a new survey of long-term care homes in Ontario say they're short staffed and therefore unable to properly care for residents.
Listen: COVID-19 prevents altruistic retired Ottawa nurse from donating kidney
Margaret Lerhe is no stranger to altruistic gestures. She tried saving Corporal Nathan Cirillo's life after he was shot in 2014. Now she wants to donate her kidney, but the pandemic is getting in her way.
New air-quality monitoring project aims to help Ottawa residents Breathe Easy
Ecology Ottawa and Sierra Club will follow in the footsteps of the INHALE project in Hamilton and Toronto which aimed to foster air quality awareness.
Local childcare centres prepared for Stage 3
Some childcare centres say they feel prepared to increase their cohorts of children from 10 to 15 as of July 27.
Unhappy campers protest Liberal government, COVID-19 measures
Since Canada Day, members have of the Canadian Revolution have been protesting against the Liberal government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In focus: Researchers, optometrists stress importance of eye health as online market for glasses grows
Eye experts are expressing concerns over online eyewear consumers not getting regular eye exams.
Police chiefs urge decriminalization of drug possession; policy experts urge faster, broader reform
Despite police chiefs urging the decriminalization of personal drug use, Canadian drug policy experts say that more needs to be done to keep community members safe.
City council endorses mandatory mask bylaw
Ottawa City Council has followed up a public health order by passing a bylaw ordering the wearing of face masks in indoor public spaces. The vote was 14 to eight, with dissenting councillors expressing concern that the fines accompanying the bylaw are too steep. The fines would range from $200 for individuals to $400 for stores that break the bylaw,...
Four Ottawa-area public health units issue mandatory-mask directive for enclosed public spaces
Ottawa Public Health has shifted its approach to reducing the spread of COVID-19, and is now officially requiring that city residents wear face masks in indoor public spaces. In a statement issued jointly on Monday by four regional public health units in Eastern Ontario, including Ottawa Public Health, the agencies stated that they were “invoking a directive under the province’s...
Pets, vets, vaccines and the pandemic: Animal and human health entwined more than ever in COVID times
With COVID-19 forcing people to practise physical distancing, a pet can make a big difference in terms of emotional support. Fortunately, while the novel coronavirus is believed to be a zoonotic disease – which means it was transmitted from animals, presumably bats, to humans – research shows it’s very unlikely people can get it from their pets. And despite some...
‘Know that you are special’: Cards, letters deliver powerful message to Ottawa seniors in pandemic isolation
As the temperatures neared the mid-30s on Father’s Day, Debbie Abfalter took a detour on her way to the beach to stop at the Stirling Park Retirement Community. Despite the blistering heat, residents gathered outside of their building — located near the Merivale Mall in west-end Ottawa — to greet her. That’s because when Debbie stops by she always brings...
Waiting for Stage 2: Toronto and Peel to move on, Windsor-Essex fails to meet reopening criteria
With Ottawa and other Ontario regions wrapping up their first week in Stage 2 of Ontario’s COVID-19 reopening plan, three regions in the province — as of Monday, June 22 — remained stuck in Stage 1 because of concerns about continued transmissions of the virus. The regions initially left out of the second stage were Toronto, Peel, and Windsor-Essex. That...
Teachers, parents, health experts share mixed feelings about plans to reopen Ontario schools in September
As the talks about reopening schools in September are underway, teachers and parents try to figure out what's best for students and society.
Watch: Bagpipers give seniors in the Glebe reason to dance
Bagpiping brothers are using their imagination and their music to help seniors cope with the isolation caused by the pandemic.
Ottawa Board of Health declares racism a public health issue, Black leader applauds ‘important gesture’
In the wake of the Ottawa Board of Health recognizing racism as a public health issue, community organizers who work at the intersection of race and health reflect on the way forward.
The price of protection: The physical toll of PPE on health care workers
Health care workers in Ontario are wearing more PPE to protect against COVID-19, but all that extra equipment can take a toll on their well-being.
Ontario dental offices reopen, but ‘it’s not like flipping the switch’
An Ottawa dental clinic is ready for regular procedures during COVID-19, but an Albertan hygienist says returning to normal work isn't simple.
Altered state: Places of worship cope with reopening during COVID-19
VAUGHAN, Ont. — As Ontario allows places of worship to reopen at 30-per-cent capacity across the province Friday, religious communities in the Greater Toronto Area are coping with the challenging and changing realities posed by COVID-19. Premier Doug Ford has outlined plans to permit social gatherings of up to 10 people, along with the restricted reopening of shopping malls, personal...
Testing times: Inside Ottawa’s main COVID-19 centre
That wasn't so bad now was it? Capital Current editor Warren Reid wanted to make sure he didn't bring COVID-19 home so he got tested.
Ottawa community centre keeps seniors connected despite pandemic
COVID-19 is preventing seniors from meeting each other in-person, but Ottawa West Community Support has found different ways to make sure their clients stay social.
Mental health misconceptions hinder Black community
In the black community in Canada there is a stigma surrounding mental health concerns.
COVID-19, homelessness create a vicious cycle of suffering
Daniel Bhend woke up from a short nap as a Kitchener bus arrived at its final destination. The driver told everyone to get out, but Bhend — a homeless man — asked to remain on board. “I’m freezing and I have nowhere else to go,” Bhend recalled telling the driver. The driver insisted and then called a supervisor. In response,...
Erasing stigma key to helping black Canadians who face mental illness, experts say
Black Canadians facing a mental health condition are often battling stigma within their own community.
Getting out of the house: How to get some air and keep a safe social distance
The National Capital Commission will continue closing part of Queen Elizabeth Driveway until May 10th. The goal is to allow people who live in dense urban neighbourhoods to get outside and stay a safe distance from each other. Will the City of Ottawa follow suit?
When duty calls: Canadian doctor on the job in Mississippi
Shreena Dhawan is a Canadian doctor working in Jackson, Mississippi. When other Canadians started making their way back to Canada at the beginning of the COVID crisis, she decided to stay put.
Strained back or sprained ankle: Who are you going to call?
Warm weather can bring out the wannabe athlete in us, and that can bring on injuries. What can people do amidst the pandemic?
Recipe for de-stress: Fun, furry, virtual therapy dogs
Carleton's Therapy Dogs usually make themselves available for pats and play in person. That’s obviously out, but their handlers decided the pups are needed now even more than ever.
Elite athletes at uOttawa: Staying fit while staying at home
The outbreak of COVID-19 has broken a steady routine for athletes and athletic trainers. How do you keep your edge if you’re cooped up at home?
A diabetic’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic
As a diabetic, Diana Dwerryhouse is at risk of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19 and encourages others to stay home in order to protect our society's most vulnerable.
Podcast: The COVID Chronicles, final episode
In this last installment of the pandemic podcast, find out more about the third year Carleton students behind this project, as well as their reports on life under quarantine.
On lockdown: A state of emergency in one Ontario town
Ontario towns, including Orangeville, are shut down amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and state of emergency declaration.
Hunting, gathering and sharing: Ottawa community helping ensure access to food during COVID-19 crisis
During the COVID-19 pandemic Ottawa's community is helping the Ottawa Food Bank support a higher demand of families. Good samaritans are also helping families who are not resorting to the food bank.