Waterloo region sees a spike in vaccinations after Ontario passport announcement

Health officials observed a spike in vaccinations this week in Waterloo region after the province announced an enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate, also known as a vaccine passport, will be implemented later this month.

In a briefing on Friday, officials said 30 per cent more people attended the Boardwalk Vaccination Clinic on Thursday, a day after the announcement, compared to numbers from last week.

Also, over the last two days, the overall percentage of people receiving a first dose jumped from about 30 per cent to more than 40 per cent.

"Vaccination is essential to protecting our community," said Rabia Bana, associate medical officer of health, who is continuing to encourage more people to get vaccinated, especially before the provincial certificate mandate kicks in.

Officials said they are anticipating higher volumes of people at vaccination clinics over the weekend.

21 COVID-19 cases Friday

Bana said the region's daily COVID-19 case count is increasing, however hospitalizations and outbreaks remain stable.

Waterloo region reported 21 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, an increase by one case from the day before. There were 170 active cases in the region.

Seven people were in hospital with the virus, six of them in intensive care.There were no additional COVID-related deaths.

There were six active outbreaks in the region.

• One at Rising Oaks Early Learning with two cases.
• Two at congregate settings: one with a single case and another with two cases.
• One at a hospitality company with two cases.
• One at a hair salon with two cases. 
• One at Conestoga Lodge retirement home with eight cases: one in a staff member, seven in non-staff members.

Local trends

Bana said, from December 22, 2020 to August 28, 2021, vaccines are estimated to have prevented 3,498 cases, 520 hospitalizations and 73 deaths in individuals aged 18 and over.

Among the cases reported in the last 30 days, about 70 per cent were unvaccinated, the majority of hospitalizations, which was about 70 per cent, were in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people and 100 per cent of all cases admitted to the ICU were unvaccinated people and two of those cases had a fatal outcome.

Back to school safety

Students and youth remain top of mind for health officials.

 "With schools beginning next week, I urge the 12 to 17-year-old age group to get their first and second dose, if eligible," said Regional Police Deputy Chief Shirley Hilton, who leads the Waterloo Region Vaccine Distribution Task Force.

"We continue to work with the school boards on developing vaccination opportunities with assistance in decreasing barriers and making the vaccine accessible," added Hilton.

Hilton said as of Tuesday, all operating clinics will no longer facilitate appointments, but instead operate as walk-ins. The region previously announced that Cambridge Pinebush will reduce operations and open two days a week starting Saturday.

"We need to accelerate vaccination, limit our number of contacts and practice public health measures to protect our community and the children who are returning to school next week," Bana said, adding a list of safety reminders:

• Practice physical distancing
• Avoid crowded spaces
• Spend time outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces
• Wear a mask indoors or outdoors when physical distancing isn't possible
• Wash hands and cover cough