Delta variant 'already the dominant strain' in Waterloo Region: Dr. Wang
Waterloo Region's top doctor says the Delta variant is "already the dominant strain" in the community.
Speaking at the region's COVID-19 briefing on Friday morning, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said based on latest data, the Delta variant is circulating in the community.
Using proxy data, health officials believe 65 per cent of cases between June 6 and 12 are the Delta variant.
"Residents should assume Delta is the dominant strain circulating in Waterloo Region," Dr. Wang said.
The region is dealing with a large shelter system outbreak, but Dr. Wang said that is not where the majority of cases are coming from.
She said most spread is through close contacts within in households, or between groups during social gatherings.
"If we didn't have the immunization rates we already do in Waterloo Region, this situation could be much worse," Dr. Wang said.
"Delta can take off very quickly once it gets a foothold," Dr. Wang said.
She said what's happening in Waterloo Region could happen anywhere.
"What is making our situation different from the province, it's because we believe nowt that Delta is circulating widely," she said.
Dr. Wang encouraged people to take the first mRNA vaccine available, reminding residents there is no difference between Pfizer and Moderna. She said they are both highly and equally effective.
The province identified Waterloo Region as a Delta hot spot last week, and officials with the vaccine task force said more vaccine doses are expected in the coming days.
VACCINATION UPDATE
Dept. Chief Shirley Hilton, who leads the region's COVID-19 vaccine task force, said eligibility for second doses will expand for everyone who received a dose on or before May 30 starting Wednesday.
Currently, residents who are eligible for an accelerated second dose can fill out a form on the region's website. Hilton said they hope to have a self-booking system operational by Monday.
Hilton said they're working to set up mobile clinics to help administer vaccines, and the Pine Bush vaccination clinic has increased capacity to offer an additional 1,000 appointments each day.
There are also plans for a "doses after dark" initiative to offer evening appointments at the Pine Bush clinic.
Regional officials tweeted about a pop-up clinic at 99 Regina St. scheduled for this week. The hours are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. As of Friday afternoon, appointments were still available. More pop-up clinics are expected in the region in the coming weeks.
Anyone who has booked a new second dose appointment should cancel any other appointments to ensure all doses are administered as quickly as possible.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.