Latest news with #RegionofWaterloo
CTV News
29-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Conestoga College campus listed as possible measles exposure site
People who visit Conestoga College's Doon Campus may have been exposed to measles. In a new release, the Region of Waterloo said people may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease on May 21 between 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The areas of concern include 2E06, Starbucks in the Doon Main Building E-Wing and any other classrooms or corridors on the second floor of the building. 'Region of Waterloo Public Health has been working closely with Conestoga College to notify students and staff who should refer to the communication provided by the College to determine if they can attend school,' the news release said. The Region of Waterloo maintains an ongoing list of potential measles exposure locations. Some of the latest additions include Dr. Erin Walker Family Dentist on May 22, Waterloo Region Health Network @ Midtown (formerly known as Grand River Hospital) on May 21 and Cook's Pharmacy on May 20. More than a dozen new cases According to the latest data released by Public Health Ontario on Thursday, Waterloo Region Public Health and Emergency Services has reported at least 78 cases of measles between Oct. 28 and May 27. That number represents an increase of 14 cases since the last report from Public Health Ontario a week ago. Meanwhile, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has reported 54 cases of measles since Oct. 28, including one new case within the last week. Grand Erie Public Health, which serves Brant County, Norfolk County, Haldimand County and the City of Brantford, continues to struggle with the spread of measles. They have reported 248 cases since Oct. 28, including 12 new cases since the last update from Public Health Ontario. In a news release on Thursday, Grand Erie Public Health said community members may have been exposed to the measles at Houghton Public School in Langton on May 20 and May 21 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The health unit said school bus route N534 is also considered a potential measles exposure site during those days. What to know about measles Measles is a highly contagious virus. The disease can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Even brief exposure to measles can result in illness. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots inside the mouth and a red blotchy rash. Other signs of measles include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can cause brain inflammation and death. It usually takes between seven and 21 days for symptoms to show up. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles is asked to stay at home and avoid contact with others. If medical treatment is needed, people are urged to contact their health provider ahead of time to prevent the illness from spreading to other patients.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Drivers to see lane restrictions and limited access when Maple Grove Road construction begins in June
A sign announces the Maple Grove Road improvement project in Waterloo Region. May 27, 2025. (Sidra Jafri/CTV News) As the Region of Waterloo prepares to start improvements on Maple Grove Road, drivers may want to start planning alternate routes to avoid traffic headaches. Phase one of the work is scheduled to start in June, affecting Maple Grove Road between Hespeler Road and Beaverdale Road. The road will stay open during that time, however there will be lane reductions. In the fall, westbound access to Hespeler Road from Fisher Mills Road will be closed for four to six weeks. Signs will go up before the closure happens. Maple Grove Road work map A map shows the project area for Maple Grove Road construction work. (Courtesy: Region of Waterloo) This year's work includes installing new asphalt multi-use paths, a roundabout at Hespeler Road, widening the road to four lanes, rehabilitating the Ellis Creek Bridge, improvements to stormwater and drainage systems, and putting up upgraded street lights. Drivers can keep up to date on all the impacts to traffic through the Region of Waterloo's website. The project currently has a $70 million budget.
CBC
26-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Measles clinics offered to 'priority' groups by Region of Waterloo Public Health as outbreak worsens
Measles vaccine clinics in Kitchener and Cambridge will be offered by public health to people in "priority groups." Priority groups are people who don't have a primary care provider and who are: Infants (six months to a year to receive their first dose early). Children (ages one to four to receive their second dose early). Adults born on or after 1970 who need a second dose. The clinics will run at 150 Main St. in Cambridge and 20 Weber St. in Kitchener. Appointments can be made through the Region of Waterloo's website. The clinics come as more cases of the measles are reported in Waterloo region and throughout southern Ontario. Public health says the people at greatest risk of getting measles are those who have not yet had two doses of the vaccine. The risk for individuals who are fully immunized, with two doses of a vaccine, or born before 1970, is still considered very low. The clinics also come after Ontario expanded eligibility for the vaccine. People can now receive the vaccine earlier than previously scheduled: Infants (six months to a year) can receive a single dose, then receive two additional doses after their first birthday. Children (age one to four) can receive an earlier second dose (before they would receive the second dose after they turned four). Children can receive their second dose as early as four weeks after their first dose. Adults born on or after 1970 can now receive a second dose of vaccine if they do not already have one. Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the medical officer for Region of Waterloo Public Health, said in a release that the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine (often shortened to MMR vaccine) is "highly effective and safe." "The MMR vaccine greatly reduces the risk of getting measles and helps protect the broader community from further exposures," Wang said. The region's website lists numerous potential public exposure locations. Among them are four schools where there have been positive cases: Winterbourne Parochial Elementary School in West Montrose (exposure on May 2). Eastwood Collegiate Institute in Kitchener (exposure May 6 to May 8). St. Mary's High School in Kitchener (exposure on May 8). Franklin Public School in Kitchener (exposure May 12 to May 15). Public health says measles starts with symptoms that are similar to a cold, including: A runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever. Small white spots sometimes appear in the mouth and back of the throat. Three to seven days later, a red blotchy rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash can last up to seven days. Anyone with symptoms of measles should contact their family doctor's office or public health.
CBC
20-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
70 cases of measles now reported in Waterloo region as health officials urge vaccination
With measles cases on the rise in Ontario, especially in Waterloo region, a local doctor is warning people to stay vigilant when it comes to exposure. Dr. Rabia Bana, the Region of Waterloo's associate medical officer of health, said on Tuesday morning that there are 70 cases locally "and we continue to receive more reports of confirmed cases of measles in our region." Late last week, two Kitchener high schools shut down because of measles cases. Bana told CBC News the decision to close the schools was not taken lightly. "When we have a case in a school setting, in order to ensure that there isn't further exposure and further spread, we need to assess and verify vaccination records for all the students and all the staff," she said. At Eastwood Collegiate Institute, the exposures happened May 7 and May 8 while at St. Mary's Catholic Secondary School, the exposure was on May 8. Full protection against the measles requires two doses of the vaccine, typically given in intervals as a child. Bana said those who are not fully protected against measles will not be allowed to attend school for 21 days from the time of exposure. That's the period of time it can take for someone to develop signs and symptoms of measles and potentially be infectious to other people. "The safest thing to do to ensure that the infection doesn't spread in the school community is to have those individuals be excluded from the school setting for that period of time," Bana said. Unvaccinated people face higher risk Bana says public health is working with both of the school boards, staff and students to provide instructions on next steps if they're not vaccinated. Students will also be given the opportunity to update their vaccination records if needed. For those who are fully vaccinated against measles, the risk is "extremely, extremely low," she said. "In the current outbreak in Ontario, the vast majority of cases remain in unvaccinated individuals," she said. There have been a total of 1,622 reported cases in Ontario and 182 new cases as of Thursday. Bana warns that everyone who believes they've been exposed to measles and are staying home should monitor closely for symptoms in the next 21 days. Those symptoms are similar to cold and flu ones – fever, cough, runny nose – and can develop into white spots in the mouth and a blotchy red rash that spreads from the face downwards throughout the body. Individuals with weakened immune systems, children under one year old and those who are pregnant are at a higher risk of complications from measles. In the meantime, Bana said the goal is to avoid more school closures. Through the Immunization of School Pupils Act, student records are verified "fairly quickly," but Bana said large schools will also need to check the immunization records of staff, many of whom do not have vaccination records on file, and therefore that will take "a little bit of time." 'It's become kind of like politics or religion' Kimia Eslah and Andrew Cant are local parents of a son preparing to attend Eastwood Collegiate Institute in the fall. They said they're not worried about exposure for themselves, although said the exposures could impact things like high school orientation events for incoming students. Eslah and Cant say they're open about their own vaccination status, but they don't find they really talk about it with other people. "The pandemic made an impression on our relationships and how we talked about things like vaccines with family members and friends," said Eslah. "It's become kind of like politics and religion. We don't approach the topic ... and we certainly don't tell them in any way how to govern their lives." Cant said he's not hearing much of a discussion among parents for high school aged kids. "Our kid is old enough that we're out of the heavy childhood vaccine schedule," he said. "I guess it's not as much for anybody to talk about because you either did it on the schedule or you didn't." Raven Grant is finishing up a final year at a local high school and said there's been some talk among students. "It's kind of hard because a bunch of our friends go to those schools. I know a few people in Eastwood who are kind of freaked out because it happened in the class next to them, or happened in their class, or one of their friends have it," Grant said. "It's just kind of frustrating because if you don't get your vaccinations, stuff like this happens and it's just going to continue to spread throughout schools."
CTV News
16-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Another 30 locations in Waterloo Region listed as potential measles exposure sites
Two high schools in Kitchener and Waterloo, Ont. have temporarily closed after possible measles exposure. The Region of Waterloo's list of possible measles exposure sites continues to grow. The public health unit added 30 new locations on Friday. Of those, 19 include businesses, hospitals, libraries, grocery stores and schools. They are: Snackruptors on Stafford Court in Cambridge from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on May 5 to May 9 Cineplex Cinemas on Fairway Road South from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on May 6 Eastwood Collegiate Institution in Kitchener from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 6 to May 8 Merith Metals on Shirley Ave. in Kitchener from 8:15 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. on May 6 to May 9 Amiri Grocery Store on Scott Street in Kitchener from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 7 Electrical Safety Authority on Sheldon Drive in Cambridge from 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. on May 8 St. Mary's High School in Kitchener from 8:55 to 5 p.m. on May 8 Kitchener Public Library (Country Hills) from 8:55 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 8 T&T Supermarket in Waterloo from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on May 8 University of Waterloo Humanities Theatre (dance event) from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on May 8 Cyclone Spin Studio on King Street West from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 8 and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on May 10 Matter of Taste Coffee in Kitchener from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 9 Waterloo Region Health Network @ Midtown ER (formerly Grand River Hospital) from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on May 9 and May 10 Waterloo Region Health Network @ Midtown ER (formerly Grand River Hospital) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 11 Waterloo Region Health Network @ Midtown ER (formerly Grand River Hospital) from 10:30 p.m. on May 11 to 11:30 a.m. on May 12 Waterloo Region Health Network @ Queen's ER (formerly St. Mary's General Hospital) from 7:30 p.m. on May 9 to 1 a.m. on May 10 Waterloo Region Health Network @ Queen's ER (formerly St. Mary's General Hospital) from 10 p.m. on May 10 to 7 a.m. on May 11 Victoria Street Market in Kitchener from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 10 Cambridge Mill on Water Street North from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 11 The remaining 11 potential exposure sites are Grand River Transit bus routes or ION trains: May 6 – Route 34 Bingemans from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. May 6 – Route 34 Bingemans from 5:20 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 7 – Route 34 Bingemans from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. May 7 – Route 34 Bingemans from 5:20 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 8 – Route 34 Bingemans from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. May 8 – Route 34 Bingemans from 5:20 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 8 – Route 67 Eagle-Pinebush from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 8 – Route 203 iXpress Maple Grove from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 8 – Route 301 ION light rail from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 9 – Route 34 Bingemans from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. May 9 – Route 34 Bingemans from 5:20 p.m. to 8 p.m. Region of Waterloo Public Health previously announced the following 21 potential measles exposure sites: Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (The Aud) from 6 p.m. on April 24 to 1 a.m. on April 25 Waterloo Region Health Network @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital) from 9:20 p.m. on April 26 to 4:20 a.m. on April 27 Waterloo Region Health Network @ Queen's (formerly St. Mary's General Hospital) from 8:15 p.m. on May 3 to 12:23 a.m. on May 4 Waterloo Region Health Network @ Queen's (formerly St. Mary's General Hospital) from 11 p.m. on May 4 to 9:50 a.m. on May 6 Chick-fil-A restaurant on Hespeler Road in Cambridge from 4 p.m. to 10:14 p.m. on May 1 Elite Auto Care on Hespeler Road in Cambridge from 2:55 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on May 2 V Nails and Beauty on Hespeler Road in Cambridge from 4:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 2 Shoppers Drug Mart at 700 Strasburg Road in Kitchener from 10:30 p.m. on May 3 to 1 a.m. on May 4 Cambridge Memorial Hospital (ER) from 5:25 p.m. on May 8 to 1:25 a.m. on May 8 to May 9 The Indian Supermarket on Wilson Avenue from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 4 Walmart at Fairview Park Mall from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 4 St. Jacobs Midwives on Parkside Drive from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on May 6 Eastbridge Medical on Eastbridge Blvd. from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on May 6 KWIC Walk-in Clinic on Manitou Drive from 2:20 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 7 KWIC Physiotherapy on Manitou Drive from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 7 OM India Food Centre on Manitou Drive from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 7 Cambridge Gateway Medical Centre on Hespeler Road from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 8 Hespeler Medical Centre on Conestoga Blvd. from 2:10 p.m. to 5 p.m. on May 8 McDonald's on Hespeler Road from 5:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. on May 8 Food Basics on Arthur Street South in Elmira from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on May 9 Food Basics on Arthur Street South in Elmira from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 10 Anyone who was at these locations, on the day and time listed, may have been exposed to the contagious virus. They are advised to self-monitor for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they believe they may have measles. What to know about measles Measles is a highly contagious virus. The disease can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Even brief exposure to measles can result in illness. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes, small white spots inside the mouth and a red blotchy rash. Other signs of measles include diarrhea, ear infections and pneumonia. In severe cases, measles can cause brain inflammation and death. It usually takes between seven and 21 days for symptoms to show up. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles is asked to stay at home and avoid contact with others. If medical treatment is needed, people are urged to contact their health provider ahead of time to prevent the illness from spreading to other patients.
