The Province has confirmed The City of Ottawa’s second case of Covid-19.

The government says the patient is a woman in her 40’s, who recently returned from Italy. She visited the Queensway-Carleton Hospital, and is now in self-isolation. The news comes a day after the confirmation of the city’s first case. That was a man in his 40’s who recently returned from Austria.

The news prompted the Mayor and City Officials to active its Emergency Operations Centre. They announced that the first of two Community Assessment Centres would be opened within the week. This will be located in Brewer Arena, near Brewer Park and Carleton University. It’s not clear when or where the second centre will open. These locations will allow residents to be tested for the Novel Coronavirus without having to visit hospitals.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is self-isolating after his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, developed mild, flu-like symptoms after returning from the United Kingdom this week. Both are awaiting test results to confirm whether they have Covid-19. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is also in isolation after falling ill this week.

The Province of Ontario announced Thursday afternoon that all public schools will remain closed for two weeks following March Break, in response to the virus. All publicly-funded schools will be closed March 14 through to April 5.

More major events are being affected by Covid-19. The NHL, NBA, CHL (including the Ontario Hockey League) and MLS have suspended their seasons. A second member of the Utah Jazz, Donovan Mitchell, has tested positive for the virus. That news came a day after Jazz Forward Rudy Gobert tested positive. The Toronto Raptors are self-isolating, having played the Jazz in Utah Monday.

The Junos, The Little NHL tournament, and other events are also being canceled or postponed. Click here for a rundown of what has been canceled.

Despite the rise in cases, Ottawa’s Top Doctor Vera Etches stresses that the risk of contracting it remains low, and that there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Click here for more information.

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