It was a busy long weekend for many in Waterloo Region, though some paid little heed to social distancing guidelines that remain in effect.
“Yes, it was a long weekend, the unofficial beginning of summer, and yes we had some nicer weather at the beginning of the weekend, but we can’t undo the good work that has gone into stopping the spread of COVID-19 in our region,” said Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang on Tuesday. “I realize that we’ve been asking resident to stay home for some time now, and I fully understand that as restrictions are lifted, people are eager to be outside, and begin to do some of the things we haven’t been able to do for weeks; but we cannot go back to normal. We have to go to the new normal, and physical distancing is at the foundation of this new normal.”
Dr. Wang is referring to the 200 (or more, according to CAO Mike Murray) site visits that officials conducted over the long weekend, due to complaints around those not following COVID-19 related rules, many of which were gatherings of more than five people.
She also made a plea for residents with symptoms to get tested for COVID-19, as you can now do so at local hospitals by appointment without a physician’s referral.
“Testing rates are going to depend a lot on people coming in for testing,” said Dr. Wang. “We really encourage that anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 seek medical attention, or they can also self-refer to one of those three clinics.”
She added that she especially wants to get the word out since testing started on a holiday weekend, so people may have been preoccupied with other activities.
Over the long weekend, Grand River Hospital had 55 self-referrals, 14 referrals from general practicioners and 17 healthcare workers tested.
St. Mary’s General Hospital had approximately 20 community members tested, but also tested many healthcare workers, first responders, staff from child-care centres, retirement homes etc.
Cambridge Memorial Hospital had approximately 30 patients tested by self-referral.
You can find the Region’s self-assessment tool for COVID-19 symptoms here.
You can find out how to book an appointment at the testing centres in St. Mary’s General Hospital and Grand River Hospital here.
You can book an appointment at Cambridge Memorial Hospital’s testing center by calling 519-621-2333 extension 2689.
