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Click here for coping tips from our experts and other useful resources.
Please note: This page is being updated on a regular basis.
Client Information
The Royal has measures in place to protect your health while you are in our care. While things may be done a bit differently during this time, please know that our team remains dedicated to treating you with care and respect.
Day programs, outreach services, and drop-in activities
The Royal has suspended all day programs, outreach services, and drop-in activities until further notice. Outpatient appointment schedules may also be adjusted. You will be notified if your appointment or program has been changed.
If you have an appointment or are planning to attend an activity and you have fever and symptoms of respiratory infection (cough, shortening of breath), or if you are vomiting or have diarrhea, please call your treatment program in advance and ask if you should still come in.
Visitor information
In order to reduce the risk of exposure to Coronavirus COVID-19 for clients and staff, visitors are not permitted at The Royal at this time. Exceptions may be made for compassionate reasons, please discuss this with your treatment team.
At Royal Ottawa Place, visiting will be restricted to only essential visitors (this is based on guidelines from Ontario's Ministry of Long Term Care).
Active screening measures are underway
Anyone entering the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Royal Ottawa Place or the Brockville Mental Health Centre is asked questions about whether they have cold and flu-like symptoms. Anyone experiencing symptoms that could indicate a viral infection will not be allowed to enter the building and may also be asked to follow up with public health or other healthcare professionals.
If a client who needs mental health care is not allowed to enter the building, their clinical team will work with them to ensure they receive the necessary support in other ways.
This "taking care of myself" infographic is based on a resource that was originally developed by Sara-Richardson Brown, a recreation therapist at The Royal. Click here to download and share in PDF format.
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Please note that upcoming events are cancelled
Due to potential public health risks associated with COVID-19, it is in the best interest of our clients, staff, and community that we have cancelled all upcoming conferences and events hosted at The Royal until further notice. Families, please note that all Family Groups and Information Sessions in March and April have also been cancelled. In the meantime, there are many resources on our Mental Health Resources page that may be helpful for you.
Add your questions to our COVID-19 Q&As
Helpful tips
A great big list of things that can help you cope during practicing physical distancing and self-isolation
Stop the spread of germs
The novel coronavirus serves as a reminder of the importance of infection prevention and reducing the spread of germs. These practices will help to reduce the risk of spreading germs that are associated with the novel coronavirus and other viruses at any time of year:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer when handwashing is not an option
- Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm (and practicing hand hygiene after coughing and/or sneezing)
- Staying home if you are sick or experiencing respiratory symptoms
- Getting the flu shot
More Information on Coronavirus
The Royal is in close contact with Ottawa Public Health and all eastern Ontario hospitals to ensure we are implementing the best practices for infection prevention.
For the latest information and updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including information on what to do if you feel you have symptoms, please visit Ottawa Public Health: Novel Coronavirus or the Ontario Ministry of Health website.
The Ministry of Health has launched an easy-to-use self-assessment tool to help individuals determine if further assessment or testing is needed. This tool provides the province with real-time data on the number and geography of users who are told to seek care, self-isolate or to monitor for symptoms, and will help inform the ongoing response.