OTTAWA – Two Ottawa daycare centres closed temporarily last week due to contamination concerns after staff members felt sick, tested negative for COVID-19 and have reopened.

“In follow-up to the memos received on April 22 and April 23, of possible cases of COVID-19 in Dr. E. Couture Child Care Centre and at Esther By Child Care Centre,” Community and Social Services general manager Donna Gray wrote to council in a memo Saturday, April 25. “We are pleased to report that both results have come back negative and the employees are in good health.”

On the advice of Ottawa Public Health, these centres have reopened:

• Dr. E. Couture on Saturday, April 25
• Esther By on Monday, April 27 as no care is needed by families this weekend.

During the closure, these facilities underwent a thorough environmental cleaning. Communications have been provided to families and employees.

“The health of the children and staff remains our priority,” Gray said. “As a result of COVID-19 and the related preventative measures, it is anticipated that future temporary closures or service disruptions will occur. Children’s Services continues to work in consultation with Ottawa Public Health to monitor, adapt and enhance preventative measures and limit further disruptions to families.”