Waterloo Region starts new month with 49 new COVID-19 cases

Region of Waterloo Public Health reported 49 new COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, marking its second highest single day case count since July.
There were 47 cases added in the past 24 hours, while two were from the previous reporting period.
Another four infections were confirmed as variants of concern, all of which were determined to be the Delta variant.
Forty-two cases were resolved in the past 24 hours, bringing the region's total to 20,416.
Waterloo Region has now confirmed 20,963 total cases since the pandemic began, including 238 active infections and 307 deaths.
There are 11 people receiving care for COVID-19 in local hospitals, including six in an area intensive care unit.
Active outbreaks remain unchanged since Tuesday, with 10 in total.
There are seven new infections among children aged nine or younger, eight within the 10 to 19 age group and seven in people in their 20s.
The region's variant breakdown is as follows:
- 3,127 are the Alpha variant
- 21 are the Beta variant
- 98 are the Gamma variant
- 3,686 are the Delta variant
- 262 cases have has a mutation detected, but have yet to have a variant strain confirmed
Among the eligible population over the age of five, 79.25 per cent is fully vaccinated, while 82.68 per cent has been administered one dose.
As for Waterloo Region's entire population, 75.06 per cent is fully immunized against COVID-19, while 78.29 per cent has gotten one shot.
Ontario confirmed 780 new COVID-19 cases and its death toll surpassed the 10,000 mark with six new deaths announced on Wednesday.
The province's seven-day average stands at 821 infections.
Ontario has reported 619,270 total cases, including 602,515 resolved infections and 10,005 deaths since the pandemic began.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.

Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.
Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs
Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices.
Survival 'the only concern' as Canadian tenants struggle to pay rent
As rent prices rise, CTVNews.ca heard from a number of Canadians struggling to afford their homes. The surge in rent prices over the last few months has forced many to cut back on spending, with some having to relocate or move in with their parents.
Wolf found dead, another still missing after apparent break-in at Vancouver zoo
One of the wolves that were released during an apparent break-in at the Greater Vancouver Zoo this week has been found dead, and another remains on the loose.
Ontario ICU closed for a month has no date set to reopen
A month after an Ontario intensive care unit temporarily closed due to a “significant staff shortage,” the hospital has no timeline for when the ICU will re-open its doors.
Study finds 3 drugs, including ivermectin, did not prevent COVID hospitalization, death
A new study has found that three drugs, including the antiparasitic ivermectin, had no significant effects in treating low oxygen levels or preventing ER visits, hospitalization or death due to COVID-19.
What you can do to help mitigate shortages of fever and pain relievers
Pharmacists and health care professionals are asking the public to only buy what they need and to be up to date on all their essential immunization shots to help with Tylenol, Advil shortages.
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages
The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.