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Back to SearchJanuary 20, 2022: this outbreak is now over.
January 1, 2022 - CHEO is currently experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 — our first during the pandemic. It involves two people at this time.
The word ‘outbreak’ may sound scary to some, so let us explain. CHEO’s Infection Prevention and Control program, in collaboration with Ottawa Public Health, declares an outbreak when people (patients, caregivers, staff, and medical staff) on the same unit test positive for COVID-19 within a 14-day period where these infections could have reasonably been acquired on the unit.
Today, CHEO and Ottawa Public Health declared an outbreak on an inpatient medicine ward, 5E. The people affected have already been notified. So, if you have not been contacted, you are not a high risk contact related to this outbreak.
All staff and medical staff who were potentially exposed are being followed by our Occupational Safety team, which assesses risk and recommends testing and self-isolation, as necessary.
Every infection prevention and control protocol is in place at CHEO to ensure the safety of patients, families and our team. The public is encouraged to continue to come onsite for urgent or necessary reasons – especially if your doctor recommends it. Whether coming to our main campus, satellite sites or the Emergency Department, CHEO is always here for you.
Learn more about CHEO’s safety protocols.
Learn more about outbreaks from Ottawa Public Health.
About CHEO
Based in Canada’s capital, CHEO is a globally renowned health institution with a mission to provide exceptional care and support to children, youth and their families. Opening our doors in 1974, we offer a full range of specialized pediatric care and services to children from eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut. Our site is home to a hospital, a children’s treatment centre, a school, a research institute, and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa as an academic health science centre. Named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024 and 2025, we are home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives.