More than 30 tickets issued in 2 weeks for social gatherings in Waterloo region

In the two weeks, bylaw officers in Waterloo regionissued more than 30 tickets to people gathering at private residences in defiance of the province's stay-at-home order.

That's according to enforcement numbers provided during the Region of Waterloo's weekly COVID-19 briefings.

Between April 8 and April 21, bylaw officersissued:

• 18 tickets to private residences in Cambridge for gatherings.
• 10 tickets to private residences in Waterloo for gatherings.
• 3 tickets to private residences in Kitchener for gatherings.

Special constables at Wilfrid Laurier University also issued a ticket at a student residence for a gathering.

The tickets each come with a$880 fine, which can be contested in court.

Regional Chair Karen Redman said during Friday's briefing that most people in Waterloo region are following public health guidelines.

But Cambridge ICU physician Dr. Jonathan Marhong told CBC News earlier this month he continues to see people who are sickened by COVID-19 because of social gatherings that continue to take place.

He urged people to take the virus seriously and to continue following public health advice.

"I'm not trying to spoil anybody's fun," he said. "I just hope everybody takes care of themselves and we'll get through this together."

WATCH|Dr. Jonathan Marhong says COVID-19 variants mean younger, sicker patients showing up at Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

'People need to take this seriously,' says Cambridge ICU doctor

3 years ago

Duration 0:42

Dr. Jonathan Marhong says COVID-19 variants mean younger, sicker patients showing up at Cambridge Memorial Hospital.