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.