16 new COVID-19 cases reported in Waterloo region as 3rd shots offered to more people

There were 16 new COVID-19 cases reported in Waterloo region on Wednesday.

As well, there was one COVID-related death reported ofa man in his 70s. His passingbrings the total number of deaths linked to COVID-19 in the region to 305.

There were eight people in the region's three hospitals infectious with the virus.

There were also eight outbreaks in the region, half of them at schools:

• Conestogo PublicSchool with two cases.
• Galt Collegiate Institute with two cases.
• Cornerstone Christian School in Wellesley with seven cases over multiple cohorts.
• Cedar Creek Public School with two cases.
• A home childcare centre with two cases.
• A retail store with two cases.
• A construction workplace with three cases.
• Junior's Sportsbar and Grill with seven cases.

More people eligible for 3rd shot

The region said it's now prepared to offer third shorts to more people after the province expandedeligibility requirements.

People who can get a third dose six months after their second dose now include:

• All Ontarians 70 years of age and older.
• First Nations, Mtis and Inuit adults and non-Indigenous adults in their households.
• Health-care workers.
• Designated essential caregivers in congregate settings.
• Anyone who received a complete vaccine series with a viral vector vaccine (either two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or one dose of the Janssen vaccine).

Dr. Julie Emili, associate medical officer of health for the region, said in a release that the third dose is being offered to some people because "vaccine effectiveness may decrease over time."

"A third dose is being offered to increase protection and prevent outbreaks in vulnerable populations," Emili said.

People who want a second or third dose will need to make an appointment through the region's website to attend a regionally-run vaccination clinic. COVID-19 vaccinations can also be obtained through local pharmacies and can be administered at the same time as the flu shot.

As well, the region offers home-based visits for people who are unable to, or find it difficult to, leave their home. People can apply for a home visit through the region's website.

The region's vaccination dashboard showed 87.86 per cent of people eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine have two doses, while 91 per cent have their first dose.

When broken down by ages, the region's dashboard shows people in the 18 to 29 age group lead the way in getting vaccinated. More than 95 per cent of people between 18 and 29 in Waterloo region have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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