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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.