2 deaths, 66 new COVID-19 cases reported Tuesday in Waterloo region

Waterloo region is reporting 66 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, following a period of lower testing volumes over the holidays, according to Region of Waterloo Public Health.

The region's active cases decreased by 45, lowering the number to 518. A total of 5,716 people in the region have tested positive for the virus since the start of the pandemic.

There were two more deaths reported Tuesday, increasing the toll to 165.

Thirty-seven people are hospitalized with the virus, with 12 in the intensive care unit.

Meanwhile, Ontario reported a single-day record high of 2,553 new cases.

26 outbreaks

Two more staff members at Cambridge Country Manor have tested positive for COVID-19. The long-term care home is dealing with an ongoing outbreak that so far has claimed the lives of 12 people. Sixty-three staff members and 60 residents have tested positive for the virus since the outbreak was declared on Dec. 8.

A new outbreak has been declared at Chartwell Westmount long-term care where three residents and two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. Public health officials also declared a recent outbreak at PeopleCare Hilltop Manor in Cambridge, with two staff members testing positive. 

There are also outbreaks at eight other long-term care and retirement facilities.

Grand River Hospital and St. Mary's General Hospital are both grappling with outbreaks.

There are outbreaks at Franklin Public School, Stanley Park Public School and Lincoln Heights Public School with three cases each. There are two positive cases linked to St. Daniel's Catholic School.

Other outbreaks include:

• A congregate setting with nine cases.
• A retail store with two cases.
• A dental office with two cases.
• A gym with 10 cases.
• A dental office with 13 cases.
• A manufacturing workplace with five cases.
• A second manufacturing workplace with two cases.
• At Wilfrid Laurier University with two cases.
• A restaurant with two cases.

Public health said it's monitoring a total of 135 workplaces where at least 1 person has tested positive. It also said fines have been issued to those who failed to follow rules including two restaurants and two residential properties.

Vaccination update

About 230 vaccines have been administered in Waterloo region since the vaccine first arrived last week.

The region's vaccine distribution task force said between 300 and 400 people are expected to be vaccinated per day this week. Another vaccine shipment is on the way for next week.

Public health said the priority is to vaccinate long-term care staff, high-risk retirement home staff and essential caregivers.

Public health paused vaccinations for some time over the holidays as per provincial guidelines. Vaccinations have since returned to full operations and are expected to run seven days a week.