Oct. 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.
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About CHEO
Dedicated to the best life for every child and youth, CHEO is a global leader in pediatric health care and research. Based in Ottawa, CHEO includes a hospital, children’s treatment centre, school and research institute, with satellite services located throughout eastern Ontario. CHEO provides excellence in complex pediatric care, research and education. We are committed to partnering with families and the community to provide exceptional care — where, when and how it’s needed. CHEO is a partner of the Kids Come First Health Team, a network of partners in eastern Ontario working to create a high quality, standardized and co-ordinated system for pediatric health care centred around children, youth and their families. Every year, CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and northern Ontario.