COVID-19 transmission in Simcoe Muskoka 'concerning' to local health unit
Simcoe Muskoka's chief medical officer of health is concerned by the high rate of COVID-19 transmission in the region since the province lifted restrictions and mask mandates.
"We have seen elevated case counts," stated Dr. Charles Gardner during a briefing Tuesday. "The pandemic is not over, and we cannot let our guard down."
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) reports a steady increase of COVID-19 through case counts, outbreaks, hospitalizations and wastewater analysis since March 21, when restrictions were removed.
The health unit said that while an increase was expected after the province lifted measures, Simcoe Muskoka cases have "sharply risen," with 1,282 cases reported the week of April 3 - 79 per cent higher than reported in the weeks before March 21.
CTV News app sign-up: Breaking news alerts and top stories delivered right to you
The SMDHU reports the region had a higher incidence rate of COVID-19 cases compared to the province in the first week of April.
"The number of cases, outbreaks and hospitalizations we are seeing in Simcoe Muskoka is very concerning," Dr. Gardner noted.
With the Easter long weekend days away, the public is urged to avoid large gatherings.
"It is important to remember that knowing someone does not reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19," the SMDHU noted, promoting virtual gatherings or outdoor events.
"Virtual gatherings or events are still the safest way to celebrate, and if you opt to host or attend a gathering or event, remember that outdoor gatherings are safer than those held indoors."
The health unit also encourages wearing a well-fitted mask when in contact with those outside your household.
"With provincial restrictions no longer in place, I also continue to strongly recommend that everyone wear a mask in all indoor public spaces as a simple way to prevent the spread of the virus. It is up to each of us as individuals to help slow the spread of this sixth wave by taking these and other personal precautions," Dr. Gardner said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spring allergy season has begun. Where is it worse in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
'Nonsense:' Doug Ford slams lawsuits filed by Ontario school boards against social media platforms
Premier Doug Ford says that lawsuits launched by four Ontario school boards against a trio of social media platforms are “nonsense” and risk becoming a distraction to the work that really matters.
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
Record-breaking N.B. lottery winner kept winning ticket on dresser for nearly a year
A New Brunswicker will go to bed Thursday night much richer than he was Wednesday after collecting on a winning lottery ticket he let sit on his bedroom dresser for nearly a year.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.
Fallen crypto mogul Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years in prison
Crypto entrepreneur Sam Bankman-Fried was sentenced Thursday to 25 years in prison for a massive fraud that unravelled with the collapse of FTX, once one of the world's most popular platforms for exchanging digital currency.
A dog and a bird formed an unlikely friendship. Their separation has infuriated followers
Peggy is a stout and muscular Staffordshire bull terrier, and Molly is a magpie, an Australian bird best known for swooping on humans during breeding season, not for befriending dogs. But in an emotional video posted online, Peggy’s owners announced that the animals had been separated.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.