Simcoe Muskoka health unit logs 8 new COVID-19 infections
Public health logged eight new COVID-19 cases across Simcoe Muskoka Friday, all in residents under the age of 45.
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit reports two individuals in Barrie, three in Collingwood, one in Essa, one in Oro-Medonte and one in Gravenhurst tested positive for the virus.
Of those, four contracted the disease through close contacts, while two were community-acquired. The remaining two are under investigation.
There are currently 30 active infections in the region, including four COVID-19-positive patients in local hospitals.
To date, 255 residents have lost their lives after contracting the virus, including four so far in July.
According to the health unit, 68 per cent of eligible residents have had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 52 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Dr. Barry Nathanson urged those who could get the vaccine to do so as soon as possible. The Stevenson Memorial Hospital chief of staff and intensive care specialist said the unvaccinated population would "constitute the fourth wave."
The Alliston physician said a spike in COVID-19 cases in the fall months was "inevitable."
Immunization clinics across the region and participating pharmacies offer first and second doses to residents 12 and older.
Some clinics offer no appointment, walk-in vaccines for more convenience.
Complete information on Simcoe Muskoka's COVID-19 vaccination program is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Rainfall warnings of up to 80 mm among weather alerts in effect for 6 provinces
Rainfall warnings of up to 90 millimetres and other alerts have been issued for six Canadian provinces, according to the latest forecasts.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Bus plunges off a bridge in South Africa, killing 45 people. An 8-year-old child is only survivor
A bus carrying worshippers headed to an Easter festival plunged off a bridge on a mountain pass and burst into flames in South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 45 people, authorities said.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing 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.