KITCHENER -- Region of Waterloo Public Health has reported another 12 cases of COVID-19 in the region since Wednesday, bringing the total to 129.

The numbers were updated on the region's website on Thursday morning.

Three of the new cases have been identified in healthcare workers. They make up 31 of the local cases, or 24 per cent of them.

Of the 129 cases, 29 cases have been resolved so far.

Officials have reported that two people have died from the virus in the region.

One of those people is 41-year-old John Tsai, of Waterloo. The other has only been identified as a man in his 50s who was hospitalized at St. Mary's General Hospital.

Three more outbreaks

On Thursday, the region also declared outbreaks in three more long-term care or retirement homes:

  • Forest Heights Revera long-term care facility, where one resident has been diagnosed;
  • St. Luke's Place retirement home, where one staff member has been diagnosed; and
  • The Village at University Gates retirement home, where one staff member has been diagnosed.

Those outbreaks are in addition to two others where outbreaks have been declared. At Highview Residences, two residents have tested positive for the virus. At Sunnyside Home, a staff member has tested positive, too.

Outbreaks in these environments are defined as one or more confirmed cases. That's because physical distancing is virtually impossible.

A total of 2,050 tests have been administered in the region, with 1,430 of those coming back negative. The results of 491 are still pending.

Public health officials announced Wednesday that the total number of cases had reached 117. The region's website now shows 118 cases for that date.

On Thursday, Ontario also announced another 401 cases, bringing the province's total to 2,793. Nearly a third of those--or 831 cases--have been resolved so far.

This is a breaking news update. More to come…