Six more COVID-19 deaths in region

WATERLOO REGION — Six more people in Waterloo Region have died of COVID-19, bringing the total number of deaths to 45.

“All of these cases were residents of long-term care and retirement homes over the age of 70,” said acting medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang. “Very sadly I expect to see an increase in deaths in these settings going forward.”

Some of the cases were identified in residents who were tested after death, which is being done in homes experiencing an outbreak.

Some may have previously tested negative or had no symptoms until the day they pass away.

“People who have tested asymptomatic can sometimes come back later positive, but we only know that when we do the tests after they passed away,” Wang said.

“That’s another way for us to understand what has happened.”

The region is in the process of implementing widespread testing of long-term care homes, starting with those with an outbreak including Trinity Village in Kitchener, which is getting help from a regional team.

“We continue to support them very closely,” Wang said.

Ten long-term care and retirement homes are in outbreak. Seven outbreaks have been declared over.

“While more facilities coming out of outbreak is encouraging, I expect with the expanded testing, we will detect more cases in more homes and more homes will go into outbreak,” Wang said.

While new cases in the community have stabilized, the situation in nursing homes is still on the upswing.

“It’s still a very serious situation and we’re still in a period of increase in cases and I think that we’re going to find even more cases with the expanded testing.”

Wang was asked if she has regrets about the way COVID-19 was handled in longterm-care homes.

“I think there will be time to look at this more carefully and better and I hope that we do,” Wang said. “I think the spread in the long-term-care homes has been worse than what we anticipated and so that’s something we have to look at very closely.”

She said existing issues in the homes, such as staffing, were exacerbated by COVID-19.

“There were system issues. After we get through this crisis, we have to look at those carefully.”

Wang again thanked the community for sticking with measures to limit the virus’ spread.

“Your efforts have helped to prevent our health-care system from becoming overwhelmed and have helped prevent many more times the number of deaths we would have otherwise seen,” she said.

“Your efforts have helped ensure critical health services are available for those in need. Our challenge is not over. I thank you sincerely for your continued patience and perseverance.”

Confirmed cases in the region are up to 604.

The Friday update by public health is an additional 22 on Thursday’s 582.

Of the current local cases, 216 are resolved and 24 are hospitalized.

A total of 5,151 tests have been done in the region.

Wilmot Township reported its first COVID-related death on Thursday — a resident of the New Hamburg retirement community Morningside.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of our Township’s first fatality with regards to the COVID-19 virus and I extend condolences to the family on behalf of Council. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this extremely difficult time,” Mayor Les Armstrong said in a statement of condolence issued on behalf of council.

“I ask every resident of Wilmot Township to take the threat of this virus seriously. Physical distancing is a must. If you have travelled, stay in and locked down for 14 days. If you have symptoms, self-isolate, call the Region of Waterloo Public Health and wait for direction.”

Armstrong urged people to follow those rules put in place for everyone’s benefit.

“We must work together to get through this trying time. And, we will enforce the rules for those who choose not to obey them. We are a strong community, let’s move forward together in the safest way possible.”