Region of Waterloo Public Health is supportive of enforcement action under the Reopening Ontario Act

COVID-19 is widely circulating in Waterloo Region and across Ontario and we continue to report high case rates. Under the Province-wide shutdown, all religious services, rites or ceremonies held indoors must adhere to a maximum of 10 people. The shutdown measures are in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19, preserve health system capacity, and to protect vulnerable residents. The measures are enforceable under the Reopening Ontario Act and Region of Waterloo Public Health is supportive of Waterloo Regional Police Service and Regional By-law taking enforcement action against such violations.

“Places of worship are a valuable support and they continue to offer a sense of community and comfort to many throughout these challenging times,” said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health. “I am appreciative of the efforts of so many who have adapted their practices and are adhering to the Reopening Ontario Act and public health measures.”

Region of Waterloo Public Health appreciates the many places of worship that have been strong in their support for following required measures. Many have voluntarily stopped in-person services and are connecting with their communities virtually instead. We continue to encourage all residents, to avoid all in-person gatherings, of any kind, due to a high rate of community transmission. We all have a role to play to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

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For media information, please contact:

Kerri Hutchinson, Health Communications Coordinator
kehutchinson@regionofwaterloo.ca