Simcoe Muskoka declared hot spot for Delta variant accelerating 2nd doses
Ontario declared Simcoe Muskoka one of the province's Delta variant hot spots, accelerating timelines to book second vaccines for many residents.
Starting Wednesday, residents who had their first mRNA vaccine on or before May 30 can book their second vaccine.
The province also said adults 18 and older who got a shot before May 31 would be able to book their second dose starting June 28.
Children 12 to 17 will be eligible to book their second Pfizer shot starting sometime in August.
Additionally, residents who received AstraZeneca as their first dose will be eligible to book their second dose at an eight to 12-week interval.
The news comes as the region reports its lowest COVID-19 daily case counts in months. On Thursday, the health unit logged 12 new infections, and nine the day before.
Still, the Simcoe Muskoka health unit has confirmed 18 local cases identified as the more transmissible Delta variant as of Thursday.
The health unit has an additional 676 cases that screened positive for a variant of concern but require further testing to identify the strain.
The region's medical officer of health said the Delta variant was about 50 per cent more contagious, adding residents with only one dose of the vaccine are believed to be less protected against it.
"The Delta variant, that is increasing in prevalence, and we expect to become the dominant as a strain, really requires a second dose of immunization to be well-protected," said Dr. Charles Gardner during a live COVID-19 update.
The health unit anticipates more vaccine shipments this week. "We will be receiving some 20,000 doses to our area of Moderna, on top of the 30,000 doses of Pfizer," Gardner noted.
To date, 62 per cent of Simcoe Muskoka residents received one dose of the vaccine, while 12 per cent have had both.
There are currently 10 regions considered hot spots, Toronto, Peel Region, Porcupine, Waterloo, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, Halton Region, Hamilton, Durham and York Region.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.