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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
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.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
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.