Ottawa's top doctor answers your COVID-19 questions

Ottawa's medical officer of health, Vera Etches, took questions from our audience during CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning on Friday, where she repeated her message to remain vigilant and limit contact with others.

Here's a sample. Her answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Q: How do we know [when] there is community transmission in Ottawa, and how will we know if social distancing is working?  

A:  We know from estimates how quickly travel-imported cases are likely to lead to other infections. We have enough information to say that COVID-19 is being transmitted in our community. It's not perfect information, so we want to keep working on our surveillance system. 

Q: If a person tests positive for the virus and they are not exhibiting any symptoms, are they still contagious? 

A: People with mild symptoms who are positive can pass on the virus. We know with asymptomatic cases there's a possibility of some transmission, but it's likely it's the very mild undocumented cases that are leading to transmission.

Q: My neighbour had a liver transplant and their spouse cannot work at home so is going to work. Should the spouse be staying at home? 

A: Ideally her spouse would not have to go into the community. They could try limiting exposure to each other within the home, but not everyone has the luxury of enough space to do that.

Q: Can you go out jogging with a friend? 

A: Yes, but a two-metre distance apart is recommended.  

Q: Should your children be playing outside with other children? 

A: The less the better. There may be a single family within your close contacts and the two families can share and play back and forth. 

Q: Should grandchildren be visiting their grandparents even if the grandparents are healthy? 

A: Only if you have to. Use videos, send photos and make phone calls. 

Q: How do we cope with travelling on a bus, a plane, a train and even a taxi? 

A: In airport lineups, stand two metres apart. On the train, try to separate yourselves on the seats. The same thing on a bus. You will want to wash your hands as soon as you can after you've been on public transit. 

When you are in a taxi, put the windows down because it increases air circulation. If you're ill, cover your nose and mouth. 

Q: Can the virus live on paper? Is it safe to get the newspaper delivered? 

A: It will depend on the surface, on the temperature, and on the humidity. If you're going to read a paper, wash your hands afterwards. 

Q: Should you wear a mask if you work in a retirement home? 

A: Right now they're asking everyone who comes into work to self-monitor for signs of illness, including taking their temperature regularly. Masks are something employees can raise with their employers.  

Q: My 95-year-old father lives in a retirement home. We are a family of four including an 18-year-old who just returned home from university. Is my dad safer at the retirement home, or in our home? 

You need to consider which setting has the greatest risk that somebody might contact someone who is ill. In a retirement home they understand and are taking precautions. 

In our homes, it's been harder for people to get the message that everyone must be limiting contact. 

Q: How do I deal with pushback from an 18-year-old who doesn't want to social distance? 

A: Encourage them to connect over social media.

Q: I have family who live out of town and have been self-isolating for two weeks. Can they drive here to visit? My husband is currently undergoing chemotherapy. 

A: I would not recommend it. Your husband is in a situation where he is more vulnerable. Even if your family has been isolating for 14 days, they might come into contact 

Q: How long do you anticipate social distancing will be required? 

A: The province is looking at school closures until April 5, but the prime minister says it could be extended.

The province has declared a state of emergency in response to the pandemic.