Wear masks outside 'as much as possible,' Etches advises

As Ottawa's COVID-19 infection ratecontinues to climb, the city's medical officer of health is strongly suggesting residents wear masks outdoors at all times.

Dr. Vera Etches told CBC Radio'sOttawa Morningon Wednesday the risk of community spreadis higher than ever, and saidpeople should wear masks outside their homes whenever they can.

"People should wear masks when they're outside of their house as much as possible. It's an added barrier. You don't know if you're going to come into close contact with someone or not," Etches said.

We're in a situation now where we need to have stronger protections.- Dr. Vera Etches

Previously, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) advised people to wear masks outside in situations where physical distancing was difficult.Masks are required in indoor public areasincluding common areas of condos and apartment buildings.

While the risk of transmission outdoors remainslower, Etches said it's still possible to contract COVID-19 from an infectious person.

"Outdoors is much safer than indoors, but if you are right beside someone, you could breathe in their respiratory secretions," she said."We're in a situation now where we need to have stronger protections."

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Wear a mask even when outdoors, Ottawa Public Health says

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Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawas medical officer of health, says residents should wear masks even while doing outdoor activities due to the high level of COVID-19 in the community.

Her comments come a day after she announceda maximum of 25 people atoutdoor rinks and other outdoor recreation areas such as toboggan hills and ski trails.

• Ottawa to cap crowds at outdoor rinks, hills and trails
• Up to public to follow 25-person cap, say outdoor operators

People should still avoid crowded outdoor areas of all kinds, Etchessaid.

Virus survives better in winter

Earl Brown, an emeritus professor of virology at the University of Ottawa, said viruseslike the one that causes COVID-19 tend to survive better in winter. That's because the aerosols expelled by infectious people and the virusthat clings to them tendto last longer in cool, dryair than in hot, humid conditions.

"When we're walking downtown, it makes obvious sense that you want to wear your mask. You're passing people," Brownsaid.

The risk of transmission is further increased with the appearance of new strains of the virus, Brown said.

"I think it's it's justwise to suggest that we sort of double up on our precautions."

Though key indicators show COVID-19 levels have been steadily rising for about two weeks, the numbers don't yet fully reflect the potential impact of holiday gatherings, public health officials say.

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Ottawa Public Health is encouraging residents to wear masks even while outdoors as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.