Message from Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang on Homecoming Weekend (1)
We have entered a new wave of COVID-19 in our community. Our cases and outbreaks are escalating. This is why it is important for everyone to understand that we must take action now.
This weekend, the university community will celebrate homecoming. Much like everything this year – homecoming will look very different with all events being celebrated virtually. Instead of bringing together alumni and students to celebrate in person, we are asking you to demonstrate your school pride by staying separate in order to stay safe.
With Homecoming this weekend, we’re asking all residents to make smart choices. Please avoid enclosed or crowded spaces. Please avoid close contact with anyone outside your social circle or bubble. A social bubble is the same, small group of people (not more than 10) all the time – not different groups of up to 10 people at a time.
Our increase in cases has been fuelled by a relaxed approach to these measures, such as close contact in social settings with others, without the use of physical distancing and face coverings. I want to take this opportunity to remind all of us that we must continue to practice physical distancing with anyone outside our social bubble and that we need to wear a face covering when required or when physical distance cannot be guaranteed – this includes at a party or when socializing with friends.
It has been a long seven months for our community and great sacrifices have had to be made in order to re-open our economy, re-open our schools, resume health care procedures, and lift restrictions on care facilities. A continual rise in our cases will jeopardize what we have gained back.
I know a great many of you are doing what you can to help protect one another. Thank you.
Each of you can make a difference; your actions matter and truly impact our community at large. I wish you a safe, enjoyable (and physically distant) homecoming weekend.
Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang
Commissioner, Region of Waterloo Public Health & Emergency Services