Simcoe Muskoka health unit reports 6 new COVID-19 cases
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit reports six new COVID-19 cases on Thursday.
The latest infections are listed in Barrie (3), Wasaga Beach (2), and Georgian Bay (1).
Five of the cases are currently under investigation as public health tries to track down how each infected resident contracted the virus. One case in Wasaga Beach was community-acquired.
The positivity rate in Simcoe County sits at 0.4 per cent and 0 per cent in Muskoka compared to the provincial positivity rate of 0.9 per cent.
COVID-19 testing rates have stabilized to low levels not posted since last summer.
Still, experts caution things can change dramatically in the fall as temperatures dip. The expectation is the unvaccinated population will be most at risk and could spark a fourth wave.
"We still have a substantial proportion of our population that is unvaccinated," Dr. Charles Gardner said during a COVID-19 update on Tuesday.
COVID-19 VACCINES
The Ontario government set a benchmark of having 80 per cent of the population vaccinated with at least one dose before considering exiting Step 3.
Currently, 55 per cent of eligible Simcoe Muskoka residents are fully vaccinated.
The region's associate medical officer of health, Dr. Colin Lee, says the initial target of 80 per cent was "based on the Alpha variant" and not the highly contagious Delta variant.
"Therefore, if we do exit Step 3 using the current 80 per cent target, in order to prevent a fourth wave, we need to be prudent and not completely return to normal immediately," Lee said.
He advises residents to continue to follow safety measures.
"We would still need to retain some COVID precautions such as masking in indoor public spaces and caution around attending locations where physical distancing is difficult."
The local doctor points to the safety of the younger population. "We have to bear in mind that those under 12 years of age have not had a chance to be immunized and need to be protected."
SIMCOE MUSKOKA CLINICS
Residents with a vaccine appointment booked between Aug. 11 and Aug. 28 may have to reschedule as the health unit prepares to close its mass immunization clinics.
Reschedule your COVID-19 vaccine here.
Meanwhile, the health unit offers first and second shots with no appointment at various locations across the region.
THURSDAY
RVH Immunization Clinic
29 Sperling Drive, Barrie
10 am -4 pm
Holly Community Centre
171 Mapleton Avenue, Barrie
11 am - 5pm
Canada Summit Centre
20 Park Dr., Huntsville
Dose 1: 10 am – 5 pm
Dose 2: 12 pm - 4 pm
North Simcoe Sports and Rec Centre
527 Len Self Blvd., Midland
11 am – 1 pm
FRIDAY
RVH Immunization Clinic
29 Sperling Drive, Barrie
10 am -4 pm
Holly Community Centre
171 Mapleton Avenue, Barrie
11 am - 5pm
Canada Summit Centre
20 Park Dr., Huntsville
Dose 1: 10 am – 5 pm
Dose 2: 12 pm - 4 pm
Collingwood Curling Club
250 Hume St.
10 am - 3 pm
Bob Fallis Arena
2961 10 Sideroad, Bradford
12 pm - 5 pm
SATURDAY
RVH Immunization Clinic
29 Sperling Drive, Barrie
10 am -4 pm
Holly Community Centre
171 Mapleton Avenue, Barrie
11 am - 5pm
Canada Summit Centre
20 Park Dr., Huntsville
Dose 1: 10 am – 5 pm
Dose 2: 12 pm - 4 pm
Rotary Place Arena
100 University Ave., Orillia
10 pm - 4 pm
Bob Fallis Arena
2961 10 Sideroad, Bradford
12 pm - 5 pm
SUNDAY
RVH Immunization Clinic
29 Sperling Drive, Barrie
10 am -4 pm
Innisfil Rec Centre
7315 Yonge Street
11 am - 5 pm
North Simcoe Sports and Rec Centre
527 Len Self Blvd., Midland
11 am – 1 pm
Rotary Place Arena
100 University Ave., Orillia
10 pm - 4 pm
Monday
RVH Immunization Clinic
29 Sperling Drive, Barrie
10 am -6 pm
Innisfil Rec Centre
7315 Yonge Street
11 am - 5 pm
Penetanguishene Memorial Arena
61 Maria St.
11 am – 3 pm
Rotary Place Arena
100 University Ave., Orillia
10 am - 4:30 pm
New Tecumseth Recreation Centre
7300 Industrial Pkwy, Alliston
12 pm – 5 pm
Residents need to bring a health card, list of medications and dress appropriately as there may be a wait outdoors.
Walk-in appointments are available while supplies last.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
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.
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.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'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.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.