Simcoe Muskoka logs more than 100 COVID-19 cases as infections surge for 7th week
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit reported more than 100 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, as the region's incidence rate continues to soar above the province's.
"This is the seventh week in a row in which Simcoe Muskoka has had a rate higher than the provincial average," Dr. Charles Gardner said during a live COVID-19 update on Wednesday.
The region's medical officer of health reported Simcoe Muskoka's incidence rate is 97 cases per 100,000 population per week compared to Ontario's 44 cases per 100,000 population per week.
The health unit listed 106 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, with most new cases in Barrie, Bradford, Innisfil and Severn.
There are 758 active cases, including 30 hospitalizations. Of those, five people diagnosed with COVID-19 are in intensive care.
Still, Dr. Gardner noted cases were not overwhelming hospitals and ICUs as seen during the peak of the third wave in April.
"We do need to watch very closely what's happening in hospitals as we deal with a surge in cases," Dr. Gardner added.
The health unit is investigating possible Omicron variant cases in seven individuals from the same household who recently travelled to Africa and returned to Simcoe County.
ONTARIO COVID-19 CASES
Meanwhile, Ontario reported 1,009 new cases on Wednesday, as daily case counts across the province continue to climb.
Simcoe Muskoka is in the top four regions across the province with the highest daily case counts.
Toronto has the highest daily case count with 124 new cases, Ottawa has 92 and Windsor-Essex has 75.
The province also reported eight new COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the total number of virus-related fatalities to 10,044.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.