No new COVID-19 deaths reported, one case may be linked to Kitchener anti-racism march

WATERLOO REGION — Public health officials say one new COVID-19 case is likely linked to a large public protest against racism, and more cases may be connected later.

The gathering against anti-Black racism occurred June 3 in Kitchener. Public health officials say at least one protester was infected.

“It appeared to be the most likely source of acquisition,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, acting medical officer of health for Waterloo Region.

Any transmissions connected to the protest may not be fully known for another week after the end of the full incubation period plus time to test, report and investigate. Five to six days is typically how long it takes for symptoms to appear after infection.

Eleven people reported feeling ill on June 8 — catching the disease from community transmission. That’s the most community-transmitted illnesses since April 27 when 13 people fell ill.

“Definitely there is a chance that there was some transmission of virus,” said Zahid Butt, a public health professor at the University of Waterloo. “It’s difficult to maintain physical distancing if you have this big of a crowd.”

However, Butt points out the symptom spike on June 8 was not sustained and cautions other factors in play may include natural cycles of the disease and increased testing.

“It’s probably difficult to say whether the infections are linked to the protests,” said Craig Janes, director of the School of Public Health at UW. “Any gathering is a risk. This much is certain. Close, prolonged contact with those who are infected and shedding virus is the highest risk. This could occur in crowded outdoor settings, certainly.”

The regional public health unit reported eight new cases Tuesday, bringing the total to 1,218 cases.

One outbreak is still declared in elderly care, at Forest Heights Revera in Kitchener. The number of regional deaths remains at115. Of current local cases, 93 are active and 11 are hospitalized.

Gatherings are now lawful for 10 people or less. Wang says it is still important to avoid large gatherings and follow public health precautions.