December 22 COVID-19 Update

To reduce the opportunity for close contact, allow as many people as possible to get vaccines and reduce the spread of the omicron variant, Ontario introduced a 50 per cent capacity limit for indoor public settings including restaurants, bars, personal care services, grocery stores, gyms and more. However, these capacity limits do not apply to wedding, funeral, or religious services, rites, or ceremonies. 

On Monday morning, individuals aged 18 years and older became eligible for their third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. While all clinics became fully booked by 9:50 a.m. that morning, the region is continuing to open more vaccine appointments throughout the week

To keep up with these demands, the Region of Waterloo is asking all local businesses with staff members who can legally give the vaccine to consider hosting a COVID-19 clinic. These members can include doctors, nurses and pharmacists.

Those businesses that are willing to host a vaccine clinic for their staff will need to meet these requirements before signing up: the business must have their own staff to legally administer a COVID-19 vaccine and must host the clinic by the end of January.

Guelph, Waterloo and Kitchener have also updated their proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for those entering indoor facilities. In the City of Waterloo, proof of vaccination and valid government ID is required for those between 12 to 17 years old to enter recreation facilities, effective as of Dec. 20.

All those 12 and older (except those with a valid medical exemption) entering recreation facilities will also be required to: 

  • Show proof of vaccination (QR code version will be required as of Jan. 4).
  • Show government identification.
  • Complete the COVID-19 health screening.
  • Complete the contact-tracing form.

As of Dec. 22, Waterloo health officials have confirmed 22,241 total cases of COVID-19, and approximately 806 cases are considered active. There have been 312 COVID-related deaths in the region.

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Student Journalist of the Year - JHM award winner, Kaitlyn has worked previously as The Cord’s senior news editor. She’s also published articles for VICE and Shameless.