November 24 COVID-19 update

Last Friday, Health Canada announced the Pfizer vaccine was officially approved for those under the age of 12. Waterloo Region will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines to children between five and 11 years old starting this Friday. The vaccines will be administered at regional clinics, pharmacies and primary care offices.

The region began accepting appointments on their vaccination booking site for that age group.

According to a news release, Waterloo Region has opened “a sufficient number of appointments” for the next four weeks so children can get a first dose before the holiday season.

Between Nov. 27 and Dec. 12, three clinics in the region – located at Cambridge Pinebush, The Boardwalk and Wellesley – will only administer first and second doses in order to prioritize children receiving their vaccines. The region is also working with local school boards to create opportunities to vaccinate children within the schools. 

Belinda Karahalios, Cambridge MPP, announced this week that she has tested positive for COVID-19. According to Karahalios, she will not be able to enter Queen’s Park until Nov. 30. This means she will miss a debate and vote on a motion that would allow the provincial government to extend or amend some emergency orders under the Reopening Ontario Act until Mar. 28, 2022.

“I was sick for a couple of days but am feeling much better,” Karahalios tweeted.

As of Nov. 24, Waterloo health officials have confirmed 20,706 total cases of COVID-19, and approximately 251 cases are considered active. There have been 305 COVID-related deaths in the region.

mm

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.