World-renowned summer camp now in outbreak, health unit confirms
A world-renowned summer camp for kids in Muskoka is now in outbreak after several positive cases of COVID-19 were detected.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit officially declared Muskoka Woods camp in Rosseau in an outbreak on August 1 after finding evidence of transmission in more than one cabin, with the first case reported on July 31.
A total of four staff and campers tested positive for the virus with two other preliminary positive results as of August 2.
The health unit says it's working closely with the camp, which had about 600 campers and staff on the grounds.
"In discussion with the camp, it was decided to be prudent to ensure that the new campers that are coming in not be put at potential risk," says Dr. Colin Lee, associate medical officer with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
Camping on the grounds has been cancelled for the week, campers have been picked up by parents, while some staff remain on-site who Dr. Lee says continue to follow health and safety protocols.
In a release, Muskoka Woods calls the outbreak "one of the heartbreaking things of the pandemic," now that its guests won't be able to attend camp this week after two years of waiting.
"Our hearts are aching for all the kids who missed out on everything that summer camp has to offer," says President and CEO John McAuley.
Prior to campers' arrival, the camp says it worked closely with the health unit to put together a comprehensive COVID-19 safety plan and implemented new protocols which it believes met and exceeded the Ministry of Health Ontario's COVID-19 safety guidelines for overnight camps.
These measures include two months of leadership staff training, ventilation and air filtration improvements, and the enhancement of its cleaning and disinfecting protocols.
"This particular camp did the best they can, but COVID is very stealthy," says Dr. Lee. "We are confident that we can work with the camp to limit its spread and potentially reopen as soon as feasible."
According to Dr. Lee, those who tested positive were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, with a second dose having yet to take effect two weeks prior to their arrival.
While testing of the 600 staff and campers continues at the camp and those with symptoms remain in isolation, Dr. Lee says the key to getting the virus under control is to ensure as many young people as possible get vaccinated.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.