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Back to SearchOct. 4, 2023 - (OTTAWA) – With the potential of another ‘tridemic’ with the increase of seasonal influenza, cold, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this season, CHEO has been preparing to ensure that it will continue to provide exceptional care for children and youth in our community.
Proven public health measures such as masking and hand hygiene will help reduce the spread of virus inside the hospital. Starting October 5, all visitors and staff will be required to continue to wear a mask in all clinical areas, including waiting rooms, and where one meter distance cannot be maintained in other areas of the hospital, for example meeting rooms and workspaces. The number of visitors and caregivers will also be restricted for the viral season.
"Taking measures to protect the health and safety of our children, youth and their families is a key priority for everyone at CHEO,” said Alex Munter, President and CEO of CHEO. “We can all participate in reducing the spread of viruses and ensuring healthy outcomes by getting updated on our vaccines, maintaining good hand hygiene and wearing masks in crowded settings.”
Vaccines clinics are available through the Kids Come First Vaccine and Up-to-Date campaign, where appointments can be booked throughout the region.
For parents and caregivers, resources are also available on the CHEO website to help them care for their children during the season: Peak viral season — Colds, COVID, flu and RSV - CHEO.
Media contact
media@cheo.on.ca
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.