Residents urged to continue their ‘collective investment in greater good’

Waterloo Region is heading into “unchartered waters” as it moves into the second phase of reopening later this week.

“The wisest, most prudent approach with unchartered waters has always been to move carefully, cautiously and thoughtfully. In our current circumstance, this means continuing to follow public health measures,” acting medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said during Tuesday’s briefing.

Wang said that’s especially important now as more businesses open their doors and more people are out in the community and coming into contact with each other.

“I think people have to remember that this virus has not gone away, that it’s still circulating in our community. We still have cases and we are still at risk of very quickly having a resurgence of cases if we’re not careful,” she said.

Regional officials expressed confidence that people will do the right thing; physically distance, wear a mask, wash hands regularly and stay home if feeling unwell.

“The fact that Waterloo Region is one of the 24 areas opening up is a testament to the fact that people have listened to public health guidance,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “People will recognize that this has been a collective investment in the greater good and I think people will continue.”

Just two new COVID-19 cases were reported in the Tuesday morning update by public health, reaching a total of 1,176 cases. The number of deaths remains steady at 115.

Of the current local cases, 954 or 81 per cent are resolved, 107 are active and 15 are hospitalized.

“Overall the status of COVID-19 in our community continues to move in the right direction,” Wang said.

That’s why she recommended to the province that the region could move into Phase 2, which will happen on Friday including the reopening of restaurant patios, hair salons, beaches, shopping malls and public pools and splash pads.

“Inevitably this increases our contact with others and also increases our risk of coming into contact with the virus. Please remember that COVID-19 continues to circulate in Waterloo Region and it is possible to come into contact with the virus anywhere in our community,” Wang cautioned.

Outbreaks at long-term care and retirement homes are down to two after one was declared over on Monday. A total of 36 outbreaks have ended. Wang said additional monitoring will continue in these settings, including regular testing of staff as requested by the province.

“We’ll just continue to look to see what the trends show,” she said.

The second phase also allows gatherings up to 10 people. But Wang stressed that it’s important to continue to practise physical distancing at these gatherings, and it’s also prudent to meet outdoors and for a shorter time.

“All of these things will reduce the risk,” Wang said.

People going to patios and other reopened businesses are also encouraged to stay two metres apart while waiting to get in.

“We’re already seeing lineups at some establishments,” said regional chief administrative officer Mike Murray. “And people are typically well-distanced in those lineups.” Enforcement will continue throughout the region by police, local and regional bylaw officers and public health inspectors, including at the newly reopened restaurants and splash pads.

“We’ll continue to see that presence, as we’ve seen over the last weeks and months,” Murray said.

Wang said there is always a worry that fatigue will set in and people will let down their guard as the numbers and outbreaks go down. But now is not the time to stop following the recommended precautions.

“Think of these measures as our new normal,” she said. “Then we will have the best chance of keeping the rates of infection low and also protecting those that are more vulnerable, like our seniors.”

Cooling centres

Cooling centres have opened in buildings across the region, which is now under an extreme heat warning.

The three regional buildings in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo are offering space for people to cool off, as well as the North Dumfries Community Complex in Ayr, the Don McLaren Arena in Kitchener and the Adult Recreation Centre in Waterloo.

Find out more at regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/ cooling-and-warming-centres.aspx.