Public Health News

New Paramedic Services dispatch system will modernize emergency response: The Medical Priority Dispatch System will ensure the most urgent emergencies receive the fastest care Waterloo Region - Starting December 4, 2025, calls for Paramedic Services in Waterloo Region will be triaged and dispatched using a new Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS). This new system, already implemented by the Ministry of Health in many municipalities across Ontario, is designed to ensure paramedics are dispatched more quickly to urgent, life-threatening emergencies, improving response times and patient outcomes.
Thursday, 23 October 2025
First local case of West Nile virus reported in 2025 Waterloo Region - Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) for 2025 in Waterloo Region. The last local case was reported in 2024.
Friday, 03 October 2025
Region prepares for fall respiratory illness season Waterloo Region - Region of Waterloo Public Health is preparing for the fall respiratory illness season. Further to the Ministry of Health's recent announcement, vaccines for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV will be available in the coming weeks.
Friday, 19 September 2025
Paramedic Services sets vision for a decade of sustainable, innovative growth of paramedic care in Waterloo Region Waterloo Region - The Region of Waterloo's Community and Health Services Committee has approved a comprehensive, ten-year Paramedic Services Master Plan. With significant changes in the health care system and increasing demand from a growing and aging population, the new plan will guide investments in Paramedic Services resources from 2026 to 2035.
Tuesday, 09 September 2025
Public Health confirms first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile Virus this season Waterloo Region – Three mosquito surveillance traps have tested positive for West Nile virus: one in Cambridge, one in Kitchener and one in the Township of Wilmot. These are the first mosquitoes in the region to test positive in 2025.
Monday, 25 August 2025
Secondary school suspensions take effect today - May 8, 2025
Waterloo Region – This morning, 920 secondary students with out-of-date vaccination records have been suspended by Region of Waterloo Public Health under the Immunization of School Pupils Act. “Vaccination is the best way to protect against serious illness,” said Dr.

Thursday, 08 May 2025
Letter from Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang on Vaccination Policy for Post-secondary Institutions As post-secondary institutions across Ontario prepare for students to return to in-person learning and on campus living for the 2021-2022 academic year, ensuring high rates of vaccination among the student population will be critical to Ontario’s pandemic control. The COVID-19 pandemic, and in particular, the Delta variant have had a significant impact on Waterloo Region.
Thursday, 22 July 2021
Public Health issues advisory related to COVID-19 outbreak at Mary River Mine Waterloo Region – Region of Waterloo Public Health is issuing an advisory to any individuals who have arrived in Waterloo Region from the Mary River Mine site in Nunavut (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation) since April 30, 2021 to begin self-isolation immediately and contact Region of Waterloo Public Health at 519-575-4400. A large COVID-19 outbreak was declared at the Mary River Mine site of the Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation in early May, involving the B.
Sunday, 30 May 2021
Notice of Pesticide Use Waterloo Region: Please be advised of the application of larvicide to the following locations for the control of West Nile Virus Vectors: Catch basins Sewage lagoonsDitches and standing waterBetween May 10, 2021 and September 30, 2021, municipalities within the Region of Waterloo will be conducting a larviciding program under the authority of the Region of Waterloo Medical Officer of Health to prevent the development of mosquito larvae into vectors of West Nile Virus. Altosid Pellets (PCP #21809, pellet) or VectoLex WSP (PCP #28009, pouch) will be placed by hand into catch basins of storm drains within the Region.
Tuesday, 27 April 2021
Waterloo Region residents advised to seek testing at local assessment centres if showing signs of COVID-19 Waterloo Region residents advised to seek testing at local assessment centres if showing signs of COVID-19 Waterloo Region - All residents are advised to seek testing at a local assessment centre if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Residents are also directed to seek testing if they have been exposed to a confirmed case or if they have screened positive on a rapid test.
Thursday, 22 April 2021