BRACEBRIDGE, GRAVENHURST RESIDENTS AMONG 57 COVID CASES TODAY

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

SIMCOE-MUSKOKA — Three Muskoka men aged 18 to 79 are among today’s jump to 57 COVID cases.

And four more deaths in the region — bringing that total to 138.

Two residents in Bracebridge and one in Gravenhurst are being reported by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit Thursday, Jan. 28, as new cases.

They date back four days to the first episode date.

In Bracebridge one case (aged 18-34) dated yesterday had its first episode Jan. 25 and is under investigation.

Another one there from two days ago with an episode date of Jan. 24 involves a case 45-64 and was acquired through the community.

In Gravenhurst, a man aged 65-79 also reported for Jan. 26 was first seen Jan. 25. He, too, is under investigation.

This as vaccine concerns rose after Ontario said data errors mean injection numbers are being cut  in half due to confusion over how many doses can be gotten out of each vial — either five or six dose.

And there’s more concern about late delivery of the vaccines expected from Pfizer over the winter and spring. Premier Doug Ford and federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh lashed out at the manufacturer — while Justin Trudeau defended them.

The local health unit said today it had vaccinated 16,000 residents and health staff — 236 yesterday.

Meanwhile, provincial COVID cases topped 2,000 by + 93.

There were also 56 deaths — 31 of them in LTCs.

Toronto back up to 700, Peel 331, York 228

Quebec reports 1,368 cases with 39 people dying.

Manitoba numbers 133 and 8 deaths.

NOTES:

  • Health unit confirms 5,297 cases with 1,066 still active.
  • This includes 965 individuals that have received both of the required doses of the vaccine. In addition, 2,851 (89 per cent) long-term care residents have received their first dose.
  • There have been 149 new cases reported to the health unit for the current week.
  • There were 442 new cases reported to the health unit last week (starting Jan. 17), slightly lower than the 448 cases reported for the week starting Jan. 10.
  • Approximately one-quarter of all cases reported last week were associated with Roberta Place Long-Term Care Home outbreak in Barrie.

IN OTHER COVID NEWS TODAY …

  • Masks are back in the news amid variant threats.
  • Experts say wear a mask outdoors — and they must be tight and over the nose.
  • Cloths masks provide only half protection. Canada has recommended triple-layers since last fall.
  • But make sure you can see your mask going in and out when you breathe.
  • Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland now says every Canadian who wants a vaccine will get one by the end of September.
  • Joe Biden signs executive order to expand U.S. health care access.
Masks are now being encouraged to be worn outdoors amid a new threat from the UK variant in the community.

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