Last updated: March 22, 2023
Welcome!
Welcome to CHEO! We know that information changes quickly during the pandemic and we’ve put together this page to help you find popular topics, questions and answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please contact us at webmaster@cheo.on.ca and we’ll be happy to help.
You are safe when you come to CHEO and we always strive to deliver exceptional care. We hope you have a good visit onsite and wonderful day!
Jump to the information you need
Parent/caregiver presence policy | COVID-19+ admissions dashboard | Coming to CHEO | Vaccination | Testing | Virtual Care | PPE and preventing the spread of infection | Pharmacy and medications | More resources and supports
Coming to CHEO?
As of March 8, 2023 we will be implementing changes to our screening process. Fill out the self-screening form online ahead of time and follow our visual prompts (signage) when you arrive. Greeters will be available at the entrance to help if you have any questions.
Can't find what you're looking for?
If you have questions about CHEO's COVID-19 response, call our hotline: 613-737-7600, ext. 6720.
Note: this phone line is not able to provide medical advice. If you need non-urgent medical advice, please contact your family physician or pediatrician, or contact TeleHealth Ontario. In emergencies, please visit your local Emergency Department.
If you have general questions about the COVID-19 virus, visit the Ottawa Public Health website.
Parent/caregiver presence policy and visitor policy:
When parents and caregivers come with their child or youth to CHEO, they arrive not as visitors, but as part of the care team. They are actively working with us as part of their child’s care team, providing vital health information only they would know and giving emotional support in a way only a parent or caregiver can. For this reason, parents/caregivers will never be separated from their child.
Coming to CHEO
To limit the number of people in the building the following rules will apply:
Clinic/Surgical Day Unit appointment
- Only ONE parent or caregiver will be allowed to accompany children and youth while at CHEO.
Emergency Department visit
- Only ONE parent or caregiver will be allowed to accompany children and youth while at CHEO
Staying at the hospital (admitted to CHEO's inpatient units)
- For children and youth admitted to CHEO's inpatient units, TWO parents/caregivers are permitted at the bedside at a time during the daytime (parents/caregivers must be 12 or older).
- Overnight, only ONE parent/caregiver is permitted to remain onsite.
Exceptions to these rules
For some patients (e.g. persons with disabilities) coming for an appointment in a clinic or the Surgical Day Unit, a second essential support person may be allowed to help patients and care teams. For patients and parents/caregivers who require additional support, please contact your care team to determine if an exception to ONE parent or caregiver at a time can be granted. For Emergency Department (ED) visits, please discuss your need for an exception on arrival to the ED.
Who can't enter
- At this time, visitors are not permitted.
- Parents/caregivers who do not pass the entrance screening.
- Siblings younger than 12 are not permitted. We appreciate this requires childcare arrangements for younger siblings and we are grateful for your support in doing so.
It is important to us that your child/youth receives the care that they need. If you require an exception to any of our caregiver/visitor policies to ensure that your child/youth can access care, please contact a member of your care team or reach out to CHEO's Patient Experience team (experience@cheo.on.ca or 613-737-7600 ext. 3078).
Where to enter and what to do before you arrive
Where to enter
All children, youth and parents/caregivers must enter through the main entrance for clinic visits, or the Emergency Department in urgent cases. Other entrances are closed.
Self-screening
To make sure we are always putting safety first and minimizing any chance of transmission of infections, we ask anyone who comes to CHEO, to self-screen before/upon entering.
Fill out the self-screening form online ahead of time and follow our visual prompts (signage) when you arrive. Greeters will be available at the entrance to help if you have any questions.
Frequently asked questions for parents/caregivers coming to CHEO
What is the difference between a parent/caregiver and a visitor |
Parent/caregiver: Someone who is over 12 years old and helps a child or youth with activities of daily living – e.g. parent, grandparent, older sibling, legal guardian, etc. A parent/caregiver can be designated by a patient. A parent/caregiver is never considered a visitor because they are a vital part of the care team. Visitor: Someone who is part of a child or youth’s family or support network—e.g. sibling, extended family member, friend, etc.—but not a designated parent/caregiver. At this time visitors are not permitted. This will help us limit the number of people in the building and ensure the safety of your loved ones. Read the "Entering CHEO" section above to learn more. |
Will I be asked to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination? |
We recommend that all patients and visitors are fully vaccinated, but do not require proof upon entry. |
I'm a COVID-19 unvaccinated or partially vaccinated parent/caregiver, what can I expect? |
For everyone’s safety, we are asking that all parents and caregivers who are able to get vaccinated against COVID-19 do so. Parents/caregivers are asked to be vaccinated to protect those they interact with while at CHEO. Those who are currently unvaccinated or partially vaccinated will still be permitted to come to CHEO, with additional safety measures. As important members of our care team, we will never create a barrier for parents/caregivers to accompany their child to CHEO. What to expectUltimately we want everyone who visits CHEO to be fully vaccinated. For the very few who fall into the category of unvaccinated/partially vaccinated, we ask that you stay out of common spaces such as the cafeteria, coffee shop, or pharmacy — please bring your own snacks and ask your care team how you can get what you need while staying at your child’s bedside. |
Will I be required to wear a face mask while at CHEO? |
Yes! Masks are given to all parents/caregivers and patients at CHEO. 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. Please wear your assigned mask when:
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Thank you
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to update our procedures to keep everyone safe. Please be kind to our entrance screeners, staff and medical staff when you meet them. Safety first is our top priority at CHEO.
COVID-19 admissions dashboard
CHEO's admissions with a positive COVID-19 test result (COVID-19+).
About this dashboard |
This dashboard is compiled using the same categories of data we are required to provide to the Ontario Ministry of Health. It is updated daily Monday to Friday by 1:00 pm, excluding holidays, to show data for the previous date. Latest updates: July 2022: A COVID-19 vaccine is now approved for children aged 6 months to 5 years old. This means that all children and youth 6 months and older can be protected. Due to this expanded eligibility, we no longer display daily information on the vaccine eligibility of COVID+ admissions at CHEO in this dashboard. |
Showing data for March 21 at 11:59 pm.
(Last updated on March 22, 2023.)
1
COVID-19+ admissions
0
COVID-19+ admissions where the primary reason is COVID-19 related
1
COVID-19+ admissions where COVID-19 is not the primary reason
Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and CHEO
If you are unable to find the answer you're looking for here, our Patient Experience Team is available to answer any of your questions about CHEO's COVID-19 response! Call 613-737-7600, ext. 6720. Note: this phone line is not able to provide medical advice. If you need non-urgent medical advice, please contact your family physician or pediatrician, or contact TeleHealth Ontario. In emergencies, please visit your local Emergency Department.
Remember, if you have general questions about the COVID-19 virus, call or visit the Ottawa Public Health website.
Coming to CHEO
Frequently asked questions |
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What to expect when visiting CHEO: A step by step guide |
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CHEO is a safe place for children and youth, caregivers and staff. We want you to know exactly what to expect when you come for an in-person appointment. Main entrance screening and online screening
Did you know: CHEO has clear face masks which staff can wear to make it easier for our Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients and families to understand and communicate with their care providers! If you would find it helpful for your care provider to wear a clear mask, please let them know when you arrive. Getting to and from your appointment
That’s it! It’s our goal to help you feel as safe as possible when you’re coming to CHEO. We’d love to hear how your experience was returning to CHEO so please let us know on social media, or write to us at experience@cheo.on.ca CHEO Super HelpersHelp your child or youth prepare for their visit to CHEO during COVID-19 using a visual supports story developed by CHEO's Autism Program and Child Life specialists.
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COVID-19 testing and assessment
COVID-19 testing and assessment for children and youth |
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COVID-19 CHEO Assessment Centre at CHEO's main campusAs of Thursday, March 24 the Kids Come First Care Clinic and the COVID-19 CHEO Assessment Centre are now located at CHEO's main campus at 401 Smyth Road. Do-It-Yourself Test Kits are available, by appointment, for children and youth ages 2 months to 18 years. The COVID-19 CHEO Assessment Centre at CHEO's main campus offers Do-It-Yourself Test Kits for children and youth (2 months to up to the day before their 18th birthday), by appointment only. Book your appointment online to reserve your DIY Test Kit pickup. For those requiring extra support for accessibility reasons, please contact CHEO’s Patient Experience team at 613-737-7600, ext. 6720.
About the Do-It-Yourself COVID-19 Test KitThe Do-It-Yourself Test Kit includes instructions, a registration form and a gentle and easy to use self-swab PCR test. Complete the self-swab on-site, in the car or back at home. Return it to our team at CHEO's main campus on the same day you picked it up, for processing at the lab. Do-It-Yourself Test Kits are available for children and youth currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Visit the Ottawa Public Health website to see the testing criteria for children & youth. Watch this instructional video for children, youth and parents/caregivers on how to do the self-swab: Looking for more information about COVID-19 testing? |
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How to find my results |
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We know that the results from your test(s) will impact your household, whether it’s getting better from your illness or returning to child care, school and work. We want you to know your results as soon as possible, but there are sometimes delays processing results because of high demand. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Will I get a call?You will only receive a call if you tested positive (also reported as “detected”). There are four ways to get your results:
Do I need to self-isolate?For latest guidance on what to do after testing, including when to end your isolation, read through this handout from OPH: More informationFor more information, including school forms (a form to help parents communicate with schools regarding their child’s testing), resources for self-care and mental health and more, visit the Ottawa Public Health website. |
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Kids Come First COVID-19 Care Clinic |
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Now located at CHEO's main campus, the Kids Come First Care Clinic is available for in-person assessment and care of children and youth with acute illnesses which include a fever, cough or runny nose. |
Virtual care
Learn more about virtual care at CHEO |
Many clinics at CHEO are offering telephone and video appointments in some cases. To learn more, or prepare for your upcoming virtual clinic visit or emergency department visit, visit our Virtual Care page. |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and preventing the spread of infection
Frequently asked questions |
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Pharmacy, medications and immunizations
Frequently asked questions |
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More resources
Parenting, mental health and wellness |
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Explaining COVID-19 to kidsParenting, coping and mental health
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Back to school |
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More information for children, youth and families
For health care professionals |
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Hot topics — development and rehabilitation, fever and more |
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Preventing the spread of infection |
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Multilingual resources including Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun |
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Multilingual Resources for Diverse Communities During COVID-19 - Ottawa Public Health Inuktitut and InuinnaqtunWebsites and organizationsHandouts
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