16 new COVID-19 cases, 8 hospitalized in Waterloo region

Region of Waterloo Public Health reported 16 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, four more than the previous day's total.

There were no new deathslinked to the virus, keeping the total number of COVID-related deaths at 288.

The active number ofCOVID-19 cases in Waterloo region currently stands at 142.

There are eight people infectious with COVID-19 in the region's three hospitals, down by five in the last 24 hours. There are six people in the intensive care unit. People in the ICU may not be infectious with COVID-19 anymore, but they do still require specialized care.

Meanwhile, there are seven active outbreaks in the region as follows:

• Two in child care: One at a home child care centre with two cases, one at Rising Oaks Early Learning with two cases.

• One at Nazarene Christian Congregation in Kitchener with 30 cases.

• One at a food processor with 10 cases.

• One at Conestoga Lodge retirement home with eight cases: One in a staff member, seven in non-staff members.

• One at a security firm with two cases.

• One at a congregate setting with one case.