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
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
Actor Bernard Hill, of 'Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings,' has died at 79
Actor Bernard Hill, who delivered a rousing cry before leading his people into battle in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' and went down with the ship as the captain in 'Titanic,' has died.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
A Holocaust survivor will mark that history differently after the horrors of Oct. 7
This year's Holocaust Remembrance Day, which begins on Sunday evening in Israel, carries a heavier weight than usual for many Jews around the world.
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.