Waterloo Region takes some precautions to stop spread of Omicron variant; calls for more action
The Medical Officer of Health is not expanding its COVID-19 restrictions beyond high school sports, despite five confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Waterloo Region as well as hundreds of high-risk exposures linked to a hockey tournament.
The first four cases were confirmed on Monday. The cluster is tied to a number of sports teams involving separate tournaments.
There are now calls for more action.
"You will see, basically, an exponential spread of the virus in the community if you don't put in some restrictions or you don't put some limitations on gatherings," said Zahid Butt, an assistant professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo.
"I think it's probably the direction that we are headed right now," said Waterloo resident Graeme MacLean. "I think we just have to keep on track of everything and act accordingly."
That cluster of cases, linked to nine local sports teams involving youth and children, is now connected to 500 high-risk contacts.
"You are going to see more cases within the region," said Butt. "It's highly transmissible."
Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the region's medical officer of health, has said that a number of school cohorts have been dismissed in connection to the cluster of cases.
New measures went into effect Monday at both the public and Catholic school boards. All sports games, practices and extracurricular activities have been paused until Jan. 3.
Public health officials are asking all residents to avoid non-essential socializing including recreational sports leagues.
"It's definitely a reason to take precaution," said Waterloo resident Ben Skinner. "I actually coach the women's rugby team at the University of Waterloo and we had training [Tuesday night]. We ended up cancelling it just for that reason alone. Just to be safe."
There's also a strong recommendation for businesses to encourage employees to work from home.
"We're just making sure everyone is vaccinated and hanging out with immediate family," said Waterloo resident Ryan Rowe.
With the holidays a week away, precaution is top of mind.
"I am just getting an asymptomatic test before heading home, just to be able to protect everybody in my house at home," said Waterloo resident Graeme Maclean.
CTV News reached out to Region of Waterloo Public Health to ask if more restrictions were possible now that Omicron has arrived, but have not yet received a response.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.