Simcoe Muskoka showing third wave recovery with 9 new COVID-19 cases
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit logged nine new COVID-19 cases Wednesday and no deaths.
Five of the cases reported Wednesday are in Penetanguishene. The health unit said all five are associated with an "out of jurisdiction outbreak in a corrections facility."
It added the individuals were transferred to Central North Correctional Centre to isolate, noting the jail is not dealing with an outbreak.
The remaining cases are listed in Ramara (2), Wasaga Beach (1) and Barrie (1).
There are currently 110 active cases in the region.
The health unit reports 14 residents are battling COVID-19 in the hospital. Of those, seven are in the intensive care unit.
During a live update on Tuesday, the region's medical officer of health said there had been a 33 per cent reduction in the number of infections over the past week.
Dr. Charles Gardner called the single-digit daily case counts "an indicator of the progress that we've been making in recovering from the third wave."
DELTA VARIANT
The province recently added Simcoe Muskoka to its list of Delta variant hot spots.
To date, 33 cases have tested positive for the B.1.617.2 Delta variant in the region, a 54 per cent increase since last week.
"It's important to assume that change to Delta dominance among COVID-19 cases is happening everywhere in our District," Gardner said.
The Delta variant is reportedly 50 per cent more contagious than other COVID-19 strains.
"Because it's more transmissible, it will become more dominant across the province," he noted.
VACCINES
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit reports 64 per cent of residents have gotten their first shot, while 19 per cent have had both.
The numbers break down to show 74 per cent of adults 18+ have had at least one dose, and 54 per cent of children 12 to 17 have had their first.
"Everybody needs to pursue and get immunization when you're eligible at your first opportunity, the first and the second dose, regardless of where you live," Gardner stated.
The medical officer of health said a single dose of the vaccine is about 30 per cent more effective in fighting the virus, while two doses of mRNA vaccines are 80 per cent effective.
He added two doses of AstraZeneca are just over 60 per cent effective against COVID-19.
Starting Wednesday, adults 18+ who received their first shot in May can book their second dose.
The province said children 12 to 17 will become eligible for their second dose between Aug. 9 and Aug. 22, with certain exceptions.
Complete information on Simcoe Muskoka's vaccine program, including how to book an appointment, is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.