“I know these new measures will be difficult. However, they will further help to slow the spread of the virus, and further reduce cases of serious illness and death,” the release said. “Everyone in Waterloo Region can help to protect our most vulnerable.”
Large gatherings of more than 50 people are asked to avoid include indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious or social gatherings, festivals, markets or other similar events.
At a Tuesday morning media briefing hosted online by Waterloo Regional Police Service about the unsanctioned St. Patrick’s Day party on Ezra Street in Waterloo, the region’s acting medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang stressed the importance of people not participating in such large gatherings during the coronavirus outbreak.
“It is a real danger. Not only for their health, but for the health of our most vulnerable,” Wang said.
She thanked young people for standing up and saying they would not join the annual street party.
“Now it’s up to our citizens. It’s up to all of us to make sure that we continue to protect our community. Thank you for taking a stand,” Wang said.
Public health asks anyone who begins to feel unwell with a fever, cough or difficulty breathing to return home and self-isolate immediately.
People should continue to follow social distancing recommendations by maintaining two metres between other people, along with practising hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
All local residents should postpone all non-essential travel outside Canada, including to the United States. Returning travellers should avoid visiting patients in hospital, long-term care homes or visiting the elderly or people with chronic health conditions.
Long-term care homes, supportive housing and hospices should only allow essential visitors until further notice. The province defines essential visitors as people who have a resident who is dying or very ill or a parent of an ill child in a live-in treatment setting.
Twitter: @WeidnerRecord
Twitter: @WeidnerRecord
