Simcoe Muskoka logs 21 new COVID-19 cases as Ontario eases capacity limits at some venues
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit's associate medical officer of health is "pleasantly surprised" transmission rates are low in the region, this after the province announced it would relax some safety measures.
Dr. Colin Lee is cautiously optimistic about local case counts with news capacity limits at large venues will increase overnight.
"I don't want to jinx it, but I think we might have found the right balance at least for these four weeks," he said.
The health unit logged 21 new COVID-19 cases on Friday. It reported seven COVID-19 patients are in the hospital, and noted outbreaks in Bradford, Alliston and Barrie schools.
ONTARIO EASES CAPACITY LIMITS
On Friday, Ontario's medical officer of health announced that capacity limits at some indoor settings and outdoor venues would increase starting Saturday.
The new rules apply to indoor settings where proof of vaccination is required, such as meeting and event spaces, banquet halls, sporting events, concerts, theatres and cinemas, and racing venues. Those facilities will see caps increase to 50 per cent or 10,000 people, whichever is less.
The new rules don't apply to restaurants and bars, only large venues.
In addition, capacity limits will jump at some outdoor venues that require proof of vaccination.
Limits increase to 75 per cent or 15,000 people, whichever is less, at outdoor venues where people stand, and 30,000 people where patrons are seated.
In a release, the province said the differing capacity limits are because the risk of transmission is lower "because of reduced mobility around the venue."
Individuals attending an outdoor setting with a maximum capacity of 20,000 or more people will now have to provide proof that they have both doses of a vaccine "to help keep these venues safe for patrons."
SIMCOE MUSKOKA COVID-19 CASES
Of the 21 new cases on Friday, nine are unvaccinated, seven partially and five fully.
Barrie has the most cases on Friday, with 10 listed. The remaining are in Innisfil (2), Tiny (2), and single cases in Bracebridge, Bradford, Huntsville, Midland, Muskoka Lakes, Oro-Medonte, and Tay.
Eight are attributed to close contact with a positive case, and two are community-acquired. The health unit is investigating how the remaining cases were infected.
VACCINE LATEST
In Simcoe Muskoka, 74.1 per cent of the population have had their first vaccine shot. The health unit reports 68.6 per cent of the population has had both.
The vaccination numbers break down to show that 84 per cent of residents 12 and older living in Simcoe Muskoka have had at least one dose of the vaccine, including 83 per cent of children 12 to 17, who have had at least one dose of vaccine.
WHERE TO GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has several options for getting a COVID-19 vaccine, including a mobile bus.
Sat., Sept. 25
GO-VAXX Bus (Pfizer only) - Barrie Do It Yourself Garage, 84-A Tiffin St, Barrie
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
GO-VAXX Bus (Pfizer only) - Canadian Musicians Co-Operative, 80 Bradford St., Barrie
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Mon., Sept. 27
Penetang Library, 24 Simcoe St., Penetanguishene
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Midland Library, 320 King St., Midland
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tues., Sept. 28
Wasaga Beach RecPlex (indoors), 1724 Mosley St., Wasaga Beach
4:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Residents can also book an appointment for their shot or show up without an appointment to the COVID-19 Immunization Centre on Sperling Drive in Barrie between Sept. 26 to Sept. 29.
Starting in October, COVID-19 vaccinations will continue to be available at the Sperling Drive clinic for walk-ins only on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays until the end of November.
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.
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.
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.