COVID-19 cases surge since mask mandates lifted as Ontario expands antiviral treatment eligibility
Wastewater data across Simcoe Muskoka and Ontario show an increase in COVID-19 cases since the province lifted most mandates in March.
The province's panel of COVID-19 advisors said wastewater data indicated cases are around 100,000 to 120,000 daily.
On Monday, Ontario's chief medical officer of health announced the province would expand eligibility for COVID-19 antiviral treatments and PCR testing to more high-risk individuals to control the spread.
"It is clear we are in the sixth wave of this pandemic," said Dr. Kieran Moore during his briefing.
Effective immediately, the following higher-risk groups are eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid:
- Individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications);
- Individuals aged 70 and over;
- Individuals aged 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses; and
- Individuals aged 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition (e.g., a chronic medical condition)
While Dr. Moore said he would not reimplement province-wide mask mandates, the chief medical officer of health did advise the public to wear a face mask to protect against the virus in indoor public spaces.
"I ask everyone across Ontario to continue doing their part to keep their communities and loved ones safe by staying up to date on vaccinations and wearing masks," stated Dr. Moore.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit "strongly encouraged" continued masking despite the province lifting the requirement on March 21.
On its website, the health unit states wearing a mask in indoor public places would help "protect against viral spread and severe illness" due to the "ongoing level of transmission of COVID-19 in our communities."
Meanwhile, several Simcoe Muskoka schools have closed due to staff shortages in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, Simcoe Muskoka's Catholic school board communication manager Pauline Stevenson attributed many absences to COVID-19.
"It is safe to assume that many of the absences are COVID-related, which is compounded by the fact that we don't have enough supply staff to fill the absences."
Dr. Moore said mask mandates would not being reimposed in schools at this time, adding "we've not seen any significant threat to children."
He noted students and parents should follow public health guidelines.
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit says vaccination offers the best protection against the virus.
It has several walk-in and pop-up clinics open, including:
Barrie
Georgian Mall, 509 Bayfield St. (Lower Level)
Fridays: Noon to 5 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
NOTE: This clinic will be closed for the Easter weekend and stat holidays, April 15 to 18.
29 Sperling Drive (RVH's Immunization Clinic)
Sunday, Tuesdays, and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This clinic will be closed Sun., April 17
Additional clinics offered on Mon., April 11, Wed., April 13, Thurs., April 14, Wed., April 20 and Thurs., April 21, noon to 5 p.m.
Orillia
300 Peter St., (old YMCA building)
Mondays and Wednesdays: noon to 5 p.m.
This clinic will be closed for the Easter weekend and stat holidays, April 15 to 18.
Additional clinic offered on Tues., April 12, noon to 5 p.m.
Additionally, the health unit has several GO VAXX bus locations available throughout April. A complete list of locations is available on its website.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.