'We've had a dramatic drop,' Simcoe Muskoka logs 9 new COVID-19 cases
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit reports its second day of single-digit COVID-19 cases Wednesday, with just nine new infections in Simcoe County.
"We've had a dramatic drop in the incidents in cases per 100,000 population per week for all of our municipalities. All of them are under 30 cases per 100,000 population per week, which is excellent," Dr. Charles Gardner said Wednesday during a live conference.
The medical officer of health flagged Oro-Medonte with the highest incidence of cases in the past week, with 26 cases per 100,000 population, compared to the provincial rate of 24 cases.
COVID-19 Deaths
No new virus-related deaths have been reported this week. So far in June, one woman died after contracting the virus, while in May, there were 18 COVID-19 deaths in Simcoe Muskoka.
Hospitalizations
There are currently 135 active cases, including 23 hospitalizations. The region's medical officer of health said Wednesday that none of the patients had received their vaccine.
Variants of Concern
Fifteen individuals have tested positive for the Delta variant B.1.617.2, which is considered 50 per cent more contagious than the original strain.
"The Delta variant is increasing in prevalence, and we expect it to become dominant as a strain, really requires a second dose of immunization to be well protected," Gardner noted.
The UK B.1.1.7 variant remains the most commonly identified in the region, with nearly 4,000 confirmed cases.
Additionally, cases have tested positive for the P.1 and the B.1.351 variant.
Another 676 cases have screened positive for a variant of concern and require further testing.
Vaccinations
"As time goes on, we get more and more vaccinations from the province," Gardner said.
To date, 62 per cent of residents in Simcoe Muskoka have rolled up their sleeves for their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 12 per cent have had both shots.
Complete information on Simcoe Muskoka's COVID-19 vaccination plan is available here, including how to book an appointment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.