OTTAWA – Two temporary childcare centres serving frontline healthcare workers have temporarily shut down due to sick employees.

“Yesterday, (April 22) a staff member at the Esther By Child Care Centre, reported feeling unwell and at the suggestion of Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is being tested for COVID-19,” City of Ottawa Community and Social Services general manager Donna Gray wrote in a memo to city council today. “It is anticipated that the results of this test will take between 24 and 48 hours to be received.”

On the same day, a staff member at Dr. E. Couture Child Care Centre also reported feeling sick and was sent for COVID-19 testing. Testing is expected to take between one and two days.

As a precaution the city has shut down both centres.

“As the highest level of safety for child care workers and children/families in emergency care remains our priority and in consultation with Ottawa Public Health (OPH), the decision has been made to temporarily close the facility immediately until the staff member’s test results have been received,” Gray said.

The temporary closures impact 13 families. Communications have been provided to families and employees this evening (April 23).

“It is important to note that we have been planning for this eventuality and are closely OPH’s recommendations,” Gray said. “Our clients and employees’ health and safety are our top priority and we will continue to follow the advice of our colleagues at OPH ensure our people are protected while providing care and delivering essential services to our residents.”