Simcoe Muskoka's top doctor hints at stricter measures amid rising COVID-19 cases
A troubling trend of steadily rising COVID-19 infection rates in Simcoe Muskoka has the region's chief medical officer of health hinting at tightened restrictions.
"I'm very concerned now, and certainly considering with my colleagues what additional actions are needed and when," said Dr. Charles Gardner.
During a live COVID-19 update on Wednesday, Gardner said case counts had been increasing for nearly two months as vaccination rates slow with the closure of almost all mass immunization hubs.
The health unit reports six active outbreaks in Simcoe Muskoka, including a construction site, amusement centre and a camp.
It reports roughly 75 per cent of new cases are among residents either unwilling or unable to get the vaccine, with children making up 15 per cent of all cases.
"Even though so many people are protected with vaccination, many, many others are not. In particular younger age groups, youth and young adults. Men more so than women," Gardner said.
Local hospitals are treating 15 COVID-19-positive patients. Of those, eight have been admitted to ICUs. The health unit said none of the residents in intensive care had been immunized.
Gravenhurst currently has the region's highest incidence rate, with 68 cases per 100,000 population. Public health reports most positive cases in Muskoka are residents under the age of 35.
Gardner urged parents and anyone working in school or daycare settings to protect themselves and children under 12 who are unable to get the vaccine.
"We all need to do all that we can to safeguard the school environment to keep the schools open," he added.
A complete list of COVID-19 pop-up, walk-in clinics is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.