Waterloo region sees 121 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, third death this week

Waterloo region saw its highest single weekday increase in new COVID-19 infections on Thursday since late spring.

The region reported 121 positive cases the highest number since at least April2021.

The region saw its third consecutive COVID-related death this week, which brought the total number of deaths linked to the virus since March 2020 to 312. Public health said it was a woman in her 90s.

Twelve people are hospitalized with COVID-19, four of which are in the intensive care unit.

Active infectionsjumped by almost 100 on Thursday, bringing the total number to 582.

The number of confirmed Omicron variant cases also grew from five to nine.

Long-term care home outbreak

There were 21 active outbreaks reported in Waterloo region, including one at a long-term care home.

There was a death linked to an outbreak at Lanark Heights long-term care in Kitchener, which has seen nine positive cases, four in staff and five in "non-staff" members.

"It's never an easy event to happen and it's particularly hard in light of the current pandemic and what's going on in the province," saidJohn Scotland, CEO of The Steeves and Rozema Group, which owns and operates thelong-term care home.

He said the outbreak situation is stable, but, asa precaution, the facility has implemented restrictions to reduce staff crossover, while residents can only see one primary care visitor, as opposed to two.

"Most of us were looking to be able to celebrate this holiday season and whether you're in Lanark Heights, where we have an outbreak, or you're in any long-term care home, these are challenging times," said Scotland, noting staff are trying their best to keep spirits high.

He said 100 per cent of staff and 98 per cent of residents are double vaccinated. Many either already have or are in the process of receiving a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Other outbreaks:

Two outbreaks were linked to local hockey teams:

• 26 positive cases are now linked to the Cambridge Roadrunners Girls' Hockey Association.
• 16 cases are connected to the Hespeler Minor Hockey Association.

There were 11 outbreaks across schools:

• A new outbreak declared Wednesday at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener with two cases.
• St. Augustine Catholic School in Cambridge with four cases.
• Southridge Public School in Kitchener with 16 cases over multiple cohorts. The school is closed to in-person learning until the new year.
• St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Elementary School in Cambridge with nine cases over multiple cohorts.
• Saint John Paul II Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener with five cases.
• Sir Adam Beck Public School in Baden with seven cases over multiple cohorts.
• Glencairn Public School in Kitchener with three cases.
• St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education in Kitchener with two cases.
• St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Elementary School in Elmira with two cases.
• St. Mary's High School in Kitchener with two cases.
• Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge with two cases.

Other outbreaks include:

• A new outbreak was declared on Wednesday at a hockey-related sports workplace with four cases.
• A new outbreak was declared on Wednesday at a manufacturing workplace with three cases.
• Two in offices: One with three cases, one with two cases.
• An automobile sales workplace with four cases.
• A construction workplace with four cases.
• A retail workplace with four cases.

Vaccination update

Regional officials continued to encourage people get vaccinated against COVID-19.

About 79.7 per cent of eligible people in Waterloo region have received two doses of the vaccine.

The province announced on Wednesday that all people 18 years and older will be eligible to receive a third dose starting on Monday. Right now, people aged 50 and older are allowed to get their third shot.

People can register for an appointment here, though officials have said their booking system has been overwhelmed over the past few days with lengthy wait times expected.