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Back to SearchLast updated on: March 21, 2022
While government directions continue to change and the public navigates new rules in many places, we want to be clear about what to expect at CHEO.
Just as we did pre-pandemic and since the introduction of COVID-19 in our community, CHEO remains committed to putting everyone’s safety first. Nothing matters more than the safety of the children, youth, families, learners, scientists, staff, doctors and volunteers within our walls.
We continue to have many layers of protection in place at CHEO to keep everyone safe. Every layer is important.
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Please continue to complete your safety entrance screen in advance of coming to CHEO.
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Expect to wear a mask and distance from others until further notice. Families are welcome to wear a personal KN95 or other mask when coming to CHEO. We will ask you to put the procedural mask we give you on top as we can't quality check everyone's personal mask.
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Parents and caregivers are not considered visitors at any of our locations. They are invaluable members of the care team. Here is more information about our onsite presence policy.
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Vaccines are an added layer of protection and Team CHEO remains committed to helping eligible children and youth to get vaccinated. To stay up to date and to register to attend a CHEO vaccine clinic, please visit and subscribe to CHEO's Vaccination page. If you have questions about vaccinating your child, please review ParentHomework.ca for information prepared by pediatric medical experts in Ontario.
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We are currently in contact with families to reschedule appointments and non-urgent, elective surgeries that were temporarily paused at the government’s direction. We’re ramping up as safely and quickly as we can.
- Our staff and medical staff policies have remained unchanged. Team CHEO is fully vaccinated and continues to screen, mask, wash hands, distance, etc.
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As always, our Emergency Department continues to provide urgent care to those who need it. Visit our Where to go: alternatives to the Emergency Department page to learn more about community care options in our region, including COVID-19 care clinics for children and youth with new symptoms of respiratory illness. Wait times for CHEO’s Emergency Department are posted online.
Finally, you can expect gratefulness. We are thankful for the community’s support: your notes, videos, donations and kindness. Thank you for your adherence to our onsite safety protocols, too.
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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.