Here's why Simcoe Muskoka was added to Ontario's hot spot list for the Delta variant
Ontario added Simcoe Muskoka to the list of 10 hot spots across the province for the Delta variant on Thursday, but with just 18 local cases identified as the B.1.617.2 variant, it begs what went into the decision?
Simcoe Muskoka's associate medical officers of health says it all comes down to basic math.
According to Dr. Colin Lee, the region is in the top 10 of 34 Ontario health units with data showing 15 to 20 per cent of COVID-19 cases that classify as the Delta variant.
DELTA VARIANT IN OUR COMMUNITIES
Still, the local doctor says the variant appears to be under control.
"For the last three weeks, it's been fairly stable, so it hasn't taken off. It isn't going at an accelerated speed," Lee says. "It's not that many Delta variant cases out there to infect others."
The health unit reports 669 COVID-19 tests screened positive for a variant of concern; however, they require further testing to confirm the strain.
Health officials believe the Delta variant will become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in the coming weeks, even months. "But as long as the number of cases are low, that will prevent like a take-off to a potential fourth wave," says Lee.
VACCINES CAN SLOW THE SPREAD
Lee expects the health unit to receive double its regular shipment of vaccines in the next few weeks, with 20,000 doses of Moderna in addition to the 30,000 doses of Pfizer.
Lee says stopping the spread of the virus is "within our grasp," adding vaccines are the best defence. "We just want to encourage everyone to get their second doses," he says. "It's really a race between our vaccination versus Delta variant."
"Get a first dose into those who have not been immunized and at the same time get everyone 18 and over a second dose as quickly as possible," he adds.
Nearly 63 per cent of Simcoe Muskoka residents have received their first doses of the vaccine, and about 17 per cent of adults have had both doses.
SECOND DOSES
As a hot spot, Ontario expanded second doses to Simcoe Muskoka adults 18+. Starting Wednesday, residents who had their first mRNA vaccine on or before May 30 can book their second vaccine.
Complete information on second doses is available here.
"We're in the final corner," Lee concludes. "I think that is the first time I said that, but I think we're truly in the final corner."
With files from CTV's Dana Roberts
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 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.
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.
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.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
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.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.