Summer spike in COVID-19 cases across Simcoe Muskoka
Summer festivals, events and travel plans are getting into full swing, and so is a new wave of COVID-19, with weekly cases increasing by 46 per cent across Simcoe Muskoka.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) says the more transmissible Omicron BA.5 subvariant is driving the increase in infections, largely tracked by wastewater data.
Recent samples from Midland and Orillia reveal higher levels than in May and early June.
"We've been in this for two and a half years. Unfortunately, the pandemic is continuing. The good news is that we aren't starting from square one," noted SMDHU associate medical officer of health Dr. Colin Lee.
More than half the total population in Simcoe Muskoka have yet to receive a third dose of the vaccine, prompting doctors to urge residents to roll up their sleeves.
"It does give you an increased protection against being infected, and if you are unlucky enough to be infected, it significantly decreases your chance of being hospitalized," said Lee.
Experts warn the spike in cases could result in a jump in hospitalizations, which worries health officials already dealing with staffing shortages.
"We have a lot of mitigation strategies to move staff around to try to keep as well-staffed as we can. We have some areas that are particularly challenging: the emergency department is one particular area that is challenging to meet demand, but we are making sure to keep it safe," said Dr. Jeff Tyberg, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre's Chief of Staff.
To help ease the burden on hospitals and prepare for fall, doctors say 80 to 90 per cent of eligible residents need to get their third shot.
Meantime, experts recommend masking when in indoor public settings and staying home when sick.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.