Waterloo Region's Medical Officer of Health provided an update on COVID-19 and seasonal viruses during a council meeting on Wednesday night.
Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang said local influenza activity has been declining for several weeks and the peak of related hospitalizations occurred in mid-December.
In terms of RSV, Dr. Wang said cases aren't tracked but local data shows RSV hospital admissions have remained stable since December.
"In addition to seasonal respiratory viruses, public health also monitors enteric virus activity -- that is viruses that cause gastrointestinal illness and outbreaks in congregate settings, such as daycares and congregate settings for seniors during the winter months," explained Dr. Wang. "Public health has observed an expected increase of these gastrointestinal illnesses, as happens in every season, in a few child care centres and congregate living settings."
Dr. Wang said public inspectors routinely inspect congregate facilities and provide guidance to help prevent and control the spread of both enteric and respiratory infections.
As for COVID-19, Dr. Wang said infection indicators continue to fluctuate.
"We currently have moderate levels of infection. There has been talk about new variants -- such as the new XBB.1.5 variant, nicknamed 'Kraken' by some -- which is rising across Ontario and Canada."
Dr. Wang said we should expect new variants to emerge locally, as well as additional waves of COVID-19.
"However, the impact may not be dissimilar to what we've seen the last several months. That is moderate waves, up and down, of COVID-19 infection. In the face of new variants, and a background level of vaccinations and previous infections, our recommendations remain the same."
Dr. Wang encouraged residents to stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations, wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings, and improve or maintain good indoor air ventilation.
