99 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death reported in Waterloo region on Wednesday

Waterloo region reported 99 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday the highest weekday increase since at least early May.

There was one new COVID-related death reported, increasing the total number of deaths in the region to 311.

Twelve people are in hospital with the virus, four of whom are in the intensive care unit.

The region's confirmed Omicron variant cases remained at five on Wednesday.

17 active outbreaks

There were 17 active outbreaks reportedincluding two linked to local hockey teams:

• 22 cases are connected to the Cambridge Roadrunners Girls' Hockey Association.
• 15 cases are connected to the Hespeler Minor Hockey Association.

There were nine outbreaks across schools including:

• A new outbreak declared Tuesday at St. Augustine Catholic School in Cambridge with four cases.
• A new outbreak declared Tuesday at St. Mary's High School in Kitchener with two cases.
• Southridge Public School in Kitchener with 16 cases over multiple cohorts. The school is closed to in-person learning until the new year.
• St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Elementary School in Cambridge with nine cases over multiple cohorts.
• Saint John Paul II Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener with five cases.
• Sir Adam Beck Public School in Baden with seven cases over multiple cohorts.
• Glencairn Public School in Kitchener with three cases.
• St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education in Kitchener with two cases.
• St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Elementary School in Elmira with two cases.

Other outbreaks include:

• Two in offices: One with three cases, one with two cases.
• An automobile sales workplace with four cases.
• A construction workplace with four cases.
• A retail workplace with four cases.

An outbreak reported at Lanark Heights long-term care home grew from two to five cases, one in a staff member and four in "non-staff" members.

Booster shotsfor those 18 and older

The Ontario government announced on Wednesday plans to expand third dose eligibility to everyone 18 years and older starting on Monday, as a result of the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.

The province is also shortening the interval wait time required between doses by half. People can now get a third dose three months after receiving a second.

The announcement comes as the region plans to increaseopportunities for people to get their third shot.

"Anyone who is currently eligible for a third dose is encouraged to get it as soon as possible for better protection against the Omicron variant," the region said in astatement.

Whereto get vaccinated:

Cambridge Pinebush vaccination clinic

The region is boosting capacity for third doses at the Cambridge Pinebush clinic in Cambridge. Children five to 11 can still come and get their first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Wellesley vaccination clinic

The Wellesley locationis increasing clinic days to ensure more people in rural communities can schedule a third dose appointment.

Bingemans vaccination clinic

The "hockey-hub" clinic is returning to Bingemans on Dec. 22-23, with more dates to come.

The region will also be launching clinics at community centres in priority neighbourhoods, along with mobile pop-up clinics.

There are also plans to launch a mobile vaccination bus to ensure vulnerable community members have access to vaccines.

The region said it's also partneringwith pharmacies and primary care providers to boost the number of appointments available for all three doses.