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
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say
A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza city of Rafah kills at least 9 Palestinians, including 6 children
An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza's southernmost city killed at least nine people, six of them children, hospital authorities said Saturday, as Israel pursued its nearly seven-month offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
The House is on the brink of approving aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle
The House is preparing in a rare Saturday session to approve US$95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.