Mandatory mask bylaw ‘will provide clarity’

1,280 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Waterloo Region as of Friday

WATERLOO REGION — A mandatory mask bylaw would provide clarity to residents and underscore the measure’s important role in curbing the spread of

COVID-19, says Regional Chair Karen Redman.

“We hope it will impress upon the public that this is not a nice thing to do, it’s an important thing and a necessary thing to do,” Redman said during Friday’s

media briefing. Regional council voted Wednesday night to have staff draft a mask bylaw that will come back to a special meeting in early July.

“This municipal bylaw will provide clarity,” said Redman, who voted in favour of considering a bylaw.

While acting medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang has not wanted to issue a public health order requiring masks,

like the one in the Guelph area, because it puts the onus on businesses for enforcement, she said a bylaw would compliment her message.

“I have always been in favour of well-considered policies that can promote the widespread adoption of the recommended public health measures,” Wang said.

Guelph has seen an increase in new cases since the mandatory mask order came into effect on June 12 but both Redman and Wang said many factors could be involved, including more testing.

“I don’t think it’s cause and effect,” Redman said.

As of the Friday morning public health update, the region had 1,280 confirmed cases.

Outbreaks at long-term care and retirement homes remained at three.

Four new staff cases were identified at Forest Heights Revera long-term care, all asymptomatic and picked up in the most recent round of testing at the Kitchener home. The home has had a total of178 cases in residents, 74 in staff and 51 deaths.

“Staff were wearing appropriate PPE and the risk to residents and other staff is considered low,” Wang said.

Wang said it’s likely more sporadic, asymptomatic cases, which don’t seem to be connected to each other or a facility, will be found as staff are now regularly tested.

An outbreak will no longer automatically be declared if an employee tests positive. Outbreak measures will be put in place but may be scaled back if an investigation doesn’t suggest ongoing risk.

In the region, no new charges were laid from June 16 to 22 for not following emergency orders, 200 site visits required education or a warning and 244 visits required no action.

A total of 31,925 tests have been done in the region, with a significant increase over the past month since eligibility expanded widely to include anyone who worried they were exposed.

Wang thanked the region’s four testing clinics for their work to deal with the growing demand and urged residents to be ready for long lines, especially at the new drive-thru site in Kitchener.

“Please be prepared to practice your patience and kindness,” Wang said. “I encourage you to explore your options if you’re seeking testing.”

Johanna Weidner is a Waterloo Region-based general assignment reporter for The Record. Reach her via email: jweidner@therecord.com