Unvaccinated population 'will constitute the fourth wave,' Dr. Nathanson says
Simcoe Muskoka's health unit has reported single-digit COVID-19 case counts in recent days, as one expert warns we aren't in the clear yet.
Dr. Barry Nathanson, Stevenson Memorial Hospital's chief of staff, says infection rates will increase as the temperatures dip in the fall.
"I do think it's inevitable," says Nathanson. "Those who are either singly and therefore incompletely vaccinated or those who are unvaccinated, for whatever reason, they will constitute the fourth wave," he says.
Currently, 78 per cent of Simcoe Muskoka adults 18+ have received their first dose of a vaccine, while 64 per cent of children 12 to 17 have had their first Pfizer shot.
Nathanson says he understands why people would have been hesitant about getting the vaccine.
"I had doubts. I had worries. I was amongst the first to get it, but enough time has passed, and millions and millions of doses have been delivered.
We know the risks, and we know the risks of the virus. What I would ask people to do is be dismissive of the misinformation."
Nathanson urges residents to book their appointment for the vaccine or head to a walk-in clinic for their first or second dose.
"There is only one logical choice for most people, and that is to get vaccinated.
That's the best protection for you as an individual. That's the best protection for your family, for our community and for our nation. That's what will get us out of this pandemic as safely as possible and as quickly as possible," he adds.
Complete information on Simcoe Muskoka's COVID-19 vaccination program is available here.
COVID-19 CASES ACROSS SIMCOE MUSKOKA THURSDAY
Three new COVID-19 cases were reported in Simcoe County on Thursday, two in Barrie and one in Springwater.
The health unit says a Springwater man, 18 to 34, contracted the virus through travelling - no further details were provided.
Public health logged 10 infections so far this week and a total of 15 last week.
There are currently 22 active infections, including four COVID-19 positive patients in local hospitals.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Juror dismissed in Trump hush money trial as prosecutors ask for former president to face contempt
Prosecutors in the hush money trial of Donald Trump asked Thursday for the former president to be held in contempt and fined because of seven social media posts that they said violated a judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.