An early news conference from @ottawahealth on the day that Ottawa post a record number of new COVID-19 cases - 141 cases. #ottnews https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-coronavirus-ontario-october-2-1.5747709

We start with comments with Coun. @KeithEgli, chair of the Ottawa Board of Health. He urges us to "go back to basics" to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Don't go make "unnecessary trips" outside the home. #ottnews

"Our health system is in crisis" due to the spread of COVID-19, says Dr. @VeraEtches. She is pleading with people to listen to this. "We will hit 200 way before the end of October" is we don't so something. #ottnews

Work is underway to set up a second self-isolation site for people who need help doing so, says Etches. #ottnews

Etches says that right now, Ottawa is FAILING at preventing the spread of COVID-19. That's putting pressure on all parts of the health system, especially hospitals, which have seen a spike in hospitalizations today. #ottnews

Etches says that the system is "on the edge of collapse." New capacity in hospitals, labs and assessment centres will take weeks and months. #ottnews

"I am sounding the alarm," says Dr. Etches. She warns that restrictions are coming, including school closures, if we don't do something. "I don't want that." #ottnews

Again, she says that we should be restricting contact with those from our households and maybe a couple other people. "Please, if you have plans to get together with friends and acquaintances this weekend, I'm asking you to reconsider." #ottnews

(It doesn't sound like Dr. Etches is bringing further restrictions today, although there's a pretty big provincial news conference scheduled for 1 p.m.) #ottnews