KITCHENER -- Public Health is reporting 185 local cases of COVID-19 in Waterloo Region.

That’s 13 additional cases since the previous update on the region’s website Sunday morning.

A total of 38 people have recovered from the virus while 408 cases are pending.

But despite that good news, officials stress that we are still in the early stages of the pandemic.

The region is reporting more hospitalizations and more infections by healthcare workers.

Dr. Hsui-Li Wang, the acting Medical Officer of Health, says the current case load is manageable but they are preparing for the future.

On Monday Dr. Wang announced that the region is opening two new assessment clinics, one in Waterloo and one in Cambridge.

She says they will not be testing centres and walk-ins are not allowed inside.

“It’s only for cases that have been referred by their physician or a walk-in physician clinic."

So far there have been three confirmed deaths in the region linked to COVID-19.

The latest was an 88-year-old resident at a long-term care home in Kitchener.

Outbreaks been reported at six long-term care or retirement residences in the region including: Highview Residences, Sunnyside Home, Forest Heights Revera, St. Luke’s Place, The Village at University Gates, and Chartwell Westmount LTC.

New cases were also announced Monday at Sunnyside Home and Forest Heights Revera.