Waterloo region moving to COVID-19 'red zone' on Monday

Waterloo region will move to the "red zone" of the province's COVID-19 framework as of Monday.

Health Minister Christine Elliott made the announcement Friday afternoon that Waterloo region and Durham region would move into red at 12:01 a.m. on Monday.

"For regions in the red control level the limit for all organized public events and social gatherings has been lowered to five people indoors and 25 people outdoors," Elliott said Friday.

It will mean further restrictions in terms of gathering limits, including no large social gatherings, as well as fewer people allowed to eat at restaurants and closures of movie theatres and performing art facilities.

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the region's medical officer of health, says she has advocated to move the region into the "red zone" or "control" part of the framework because of the rise of cases locally in recent weeks"given the recent acceleration in growth, which has led to multiple outbreaks, broad community spread, and a weekly incidence rate behind only Peel, Toronto and York," Wang said Friday during a media briefing, noting those cities and regions currently have the highest incidence rate in the province.

As people prepare for weekend activities, Wang told people to avoid social gatherings.

"When the circulation of COVID-19 has never been higher in Waterloo region, I continue to urge for the time being that all residents only leave home for essential purposes," she said.

That means going for groceries, work, school, or exercising outdoors but not having birthday parties, coffee dates, sleepovers or people over for game nights.

"Please avoid any social gatherings with friends, co-workers and extended family," Wang said.

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Regional Chair Karen Redman says going into the "red zone" is the right move.

"Under the advice of public health, regional council as the board of health, is supportive of moving into this next level," Redman said.