Coronavirus pandemic causes Waterloo to make changes in waste collection

While waste collection will continue in Waterloo Region, the coronavirus pandemic has forced local authorities to make changes to our trash and recycling pickup.

The region announced Monday it will postpone the start of yard collection service while collection crews will also stop picking up bulky and large items beginning Mar. 30.

Households will also be allowed to put six garbage bags at the curb rather than the customary four while small apartments will shift from 10 to 12.

6:30 The latest developments on COVID-19 in Canada

This measure has been added to allow people who are sick to put recyclables that have touched their face in the garbage.

It is also being introduced for parents who are unable to drop off diapers at the transfer station.

Despite the increases, the region is still asking residents to try to reduce waste in consideration of the health and wellbeing of curbside crews.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are asked to self-isolate for 14 days in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.