Vaccinations in Waterloo region on the rise as COVID-19 situation 'remains precarious'

Vaccination rates have increased rapidly in Waterloo region since it was designated a delta hot spot, the region's medical officer of health says.

For adults 18 and older, first-dose coverage has increased from 58.6 per cent to 79.75 per cent (above the Ontario average of 78.6 per cent), while second-dose coverage has gone from 6.3 per cent to 44.99 per cent (just below the 48 per cent provincial average).

Much of the rises are due to increased supply of the vaccine from the province that has allowed the region to add more appointments at local clinics. As well, Wang credited the work of local family doctors and pharmacies for getting shots into arms.

"This shows that our vaccine rollout is working as we continue to make it easier for residents to get a vaccine," Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said Tuesday evening during a board of health meeting.

"There has been an incredible push by our community to rapidly accelerate our vaccine rollout, which would not have been possible without the support of our many partners."

Wang also thanked people who have already been vaccinated for "coming together in a remarkable way."

"Our situation remains precarious, but we are moving in the right direction."

50 new cases of COVID-19

The region reported 50 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, a significant jump from the 12 Tuesday.

There were 44 people in three regioanl hospitals, a decline of four from Tuesday, with 25 in the intensive-care unit (ICU).

There were also 307 active cases.

No new deaths were reported in the region or the province on Wednesday.

Waterloo region has 20 active outbreaks:

• Workplace: 8.
• Hospitals: 5.
• Long-term care or retirement homes: 5.
• Independent living facility: 1.
• Congregate setting: 1.

More information on Step 2 coming

Wang said Tuesday she anticipates being able, later this week, to offer more information on when Waterloo region will move into Step 2 of the province's reopening plan. 

Asked by North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton if the region might catch up with the rest of the province in a move to Step 3, Wang said that is the plan.

The region is opening a "hockey hub" vaccination clinic at Bingemans in Kitchener on Thursday, to allow thousands of people to get first and second doses.

Foxton addressed the general public during the board of health meeting, and urged people to get their shot.

"Please get vaccinated — 20,000 doses in a weekend, we need you to do it," Foxton said. "Let's get to Stage 3. Come on, folks, rub those hands together, make it happen."