Tag: Region Of Waterloo

Waterloo Region – On November 25, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang issued a Section 22 Order to shopping malls and retail stores that requires owners and operators to ensure capacity is managed and actively monitored, such that adequate physical distancing can be maintained in shopping malls and retail stores. In addition to the other requirements that need to be followed for their settings as outlined in the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 (ROA). The order comes into effect on Friday, November 27 at 12:01 a.m.

COVID-19 is present in Waterloo Region and poses a health risk to residents through community transmission. The risk of transmission is increased in close contact environments where persons are within two metres distance and/or not wearing face coverings. Shopping malls and retail stores are vulnerable to overcrowding during the busy holiday shopping season.

“I wish to acknowledge the hard work of owners and operators and the measures they have implemented to protect our community,” said Region of Waterloo, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang. “This order works to further limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect shoppers and employees in these settings vulnerable to overcrowding.”

All residents are reminded to:

Practice physical distancing

Wear a face covering in indoor settings and when physical distancing cannot be guaranteed

Wash your hands thoroughly and often

Stay home if you have any symptoms, even if only mild symptoms

Book an appointment to get tested if you have symptoms

Waterloo Region – On November 21, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang issued Section 22 and Section 29.2 Orders to Village Manor and St. Mary’s General Hospital. This action will allow St-Mary’s General Hospital to take over management of this home during its COVID-19 outbreak and ensure that all appropriate measures to manage the outbreak are implemented.

Currently, there are 19 residents and three staff who have tested positive, including three residents who are currently hospitalized, and no deaths. Immediately following issuance of the Orders, a team from St-Mary’s Hospital went on site to begin their work.

“From the very beginning of this outbreak, health system partners and their resources have ‘wrapped around’ this home to help it manage its COVID-19 outbreak,” said Region of Waterloo Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang. “However, it has become clear that we need stronger and quicker action, which is why this Order has been issued.

“I would like to acknowledge the hard work of all those at Village Manor, as well as St. Mary’s Hospital and many partners such as the Waterloo-Wellington LHIN Home and Community Care Team, Dr. Sharon Bal, Community Concepts and Meals on Wheels, for their very valued partnership in assisting the home at this important time,” continued Dr. Wang. “This is a truly collaborative effort.”

“We know that outbreaks like this are difficult to manage and have seen this in other care settings,” said Lee Fairclough, President of St. Mary’s General Hospital. “Coming together to support the residents and dedicated staff at Village Manor will help to hopefully reduce the impact of the virus on them and the community. Thank you to all that that have stepped forward rapidly this past week and weekend to support this.”