Large gatherings and parties 'will not be tolerated' by Waterloo region public health

Waterloo Region's acting medical officer of health says she is disappointed to hear abouta house party that took place on Monday night.

The partyon Hickory Street W.in Waterloo drew more than 100 students, and had to be broken up byWaterloo regional police. Three people have since beencharged under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

In a press briefing Tuesday,Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang addressed the party, saying that large gatherings and parties "will not be tolerated."

Wang warned students that if these partiescontinue to happen, police and bylaw officers will be forced to take action.

"We are doing this not because we don't want you to have fun, but because this is not the right thing to do when we're still in a pandemic."

Many students 'want to do the right thing'

Wang reiterated that despite some students wanting to party, there aremany others who continue to followsafety measures when it comes to protecting themselves from COVID-19.

As an example, she cited aplanned street party earlier this year onEzra Avenue for St. Patrick's Day. Wang said students played a big role in preventing further spread of the virus by staying home.

"I think that just showedhow our young people can be very smart and very responsible, so I'd like to thank those who aretaking those steps to continue to help protect our community."

What we do makes a difference in terms of reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community- Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Waterloo Region's Acting Medical Officer of Health

Wang added that she wrote a letter to all new and returning post-secondary students in Waterloo region last week, advising them to continue taking protective measures against COVID-19 by wearing a face covering, physical distancing and staying home when feeling sick.

She also asked students to work together to protect one another, as their actions can create positive change.

"Everyone can make a difference, and the more people stand up for the right thing, the more we each decide to do the right thing and stand up for what we think is right. That can exert a good influence on others," she said.

Limiting social circles

Wang also remindedstudents to keep their social bubbles small.

Knowing that many of them will be moving in with new roommates, she says it's inevitable that there will be more social interactions happening within university students.

She recommended students try to keep gatherings at 10 people or less.

Wang added that students are an important part of the community, and they have a role to play as well when it comes to protecting others from COVID-19.

"Our actions matter. What we do makes a difference in terms of reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community, she said.