Waterloo Region's medical officer of health expects a rise in COVID-19 trends over the coming weeks.
Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang provided an update to regional council on Wednesday night. She said we're already seeing a gradual increase in COVID-19 cases in some parts of the province.
Here in Waterloo Region, the wastewater signal remains elevated. While it does fluctuate up and down, Dr. Wang said it's still relatively plateaued -- for now.
"I expect however, with the signals that we are seeing elsewhere in the province... that our wastewater will start to increase soon."
The assessment closely aligned with what Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health warned Thursday ahead of what he said could be a "complicated year" that could call for increased public health measures if a significant rise in COVID-19 cases warrants it.
Dr. Kieran Moore told Canadian Press "if the hospital system is strained to a point where the ability to reduce the surgical backlog is being affected, he would first suggest the government make a "recommendation" on masking in settings such as post-secondary institutions, malls and public transit."
In the last summary provided by Ontario Public Health, there were 8,300 cases of COVID-19 detected from Sept. 25 to Oct. 1, compared to 8,106 the week before.
In the last COVID-19 summary provided by the region last Friday, there were 241 net new cases, 267 active cases, a drop of 55, and 15 active outbreaks locally.
Dr. Wang said the number of COVID outbreaks and hospitalizations continues to fluctuate in the region, but both remain relatively elevated at this time.
"As more people head indoors in the coming weeks, I do anticipate that our rates will go up," cautioned Dr. Wang.
She said staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as getting the flu vaccine, are the best ways to protect yourself from serious illness and hospitalizations as we head into the winter.
The mass clinic on Pinebush Road is accepting walk-ins, seven days a week for the new bivalent booster vaccines. Dr. Wang said in the coming weeks, a 'neighbourhood bus' will also hit the road to administer boosters across the region.
On the influenza front, Dr. Wang said there have been five flu cases reported in Waterloo Region as of October 8. The province announced Thursday that flu shots will become available to the public starting November 1.
When it comes to monkeypox, Dr. Wang said there have been no additional cases reported in Waterloo Region since September. She noted cases are declining in Ontario and Canada, and that appointments remain available for high-risk individuals who are eligible for the monkeypox vaccine.
