SMDHU top doctor issues special statement urging continued health measures
Simcoe Muskoka's chief medical officer of health is "urging residents" to continue to follow COVID-19 health measures despite the recent lifting of several restrictions and mask mandates.
"We are still experiencing a substantial amount of COVID-19 transmission in our communities, and there is the potential for some increase in transmission in the weeks to come," stated Dr. Charles Gardner in a press release.
The region's top doctor noted that easing restrictions doesn't mean the pandemic has ended.
In the special statement issued on Wednesday, Dr. Gardner wrote that after two years of the pandemic, "we are now experiencing a dramatic shift in the province's response."
Read the complete statement here.
Still, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) continues to push for vaccination, plus masking, physical distancing, hand washing and staying home when ill.
"Omicron variant is still very much present and can occur even amongst those vaccinated, although this risk is reduced with a primary series and booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine," SMDHU stated in the release.
Dr. Gardner would like to see more people get the booster shot, as less than half of those eligible have rolled up their sleeves for the dose.
"A booster dose does help to reduce the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and transmitting to others."
SMDHU also promotes vaccination for children aged five to 11 to "protect them at school and extracurricular activities."
The province lifted the mask mandate on Monday, except for high-risk settings, such as long-term care homes, health care settings, and public transit.
Some businesses may choose to continue to require patrons to wear a face mask.
Dr. Gardner foresees increased COVID-19 transmission in the fall and winter months, along with "new and potentially more transmissible variants of concern of COVID-19" that could arise "at any point."
Still, the medical officer noted that warmer weather brings a reduced risk of transmission with more people spending time outdoors.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
'Tactical evacuations' underway near Fort Nelson, B.C., as wildfires encroach
The BC Wildfire Service says 'tactical evacuations' began Friday near Fort Nelson, B.C., due to an out-of-control wildfire that has grown rapidly since it was discovered earlier in the afternoon.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.