4 NEW MUSKOKA CASES, MORE VARIANTS AS WE GO BACK TO RED ZONE TUESDAY

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

SIMCOE-MUSKOKA — Despite four new Muskoka COVID cases and dozens more variants Friday, it will be back to the lesser-restricted red zone here Tuesday when the province lifts its stay-at-home order and regulations for Simcoe-Muskoka.

On the same day local public health reported 32 cases, (Public Health Ontario posted only 24), two men and two women ranging in age from 18 to 79 are the latest to test positive for the virus.

They include:

  • Huntsville, male, aged 35-44, under investigation, reported Feb. 10 with a first episode Feb. 8
  • Muskoka Lakes, female, 18-34, travel, Feb. 10 and Feb. 9.
  • Muskoka Lakes, male, 65-79, close contact, Feb. 10 and Feb. 9.
  • Muskoka Lakes, female, 45-64, close contact, Feb. 4 and Jan. 27.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reporting 2 more deaths.

And now 150 confirmed variant cases, 17 more than yesterday; and 86 cases that have at least a first positive test, which is 9 more than Thursday.

Vaccinations are up to 25,542 today, with 1,421 more added yesterday.

Meanwhile, North Bay-Parry Sound (2 new cases), Toronto (361), Peel (210) and York Region (122) will remain under stay-at-home orders until at least Feb. 22.

Province-wide Ontario reports 1,076 cases and 18 deaths; Quebec 849 and 24 deaths; Manitoba 84 and 4 deaths.

This after news yesterday that April 12-16 is the new March Break this year.

HEALTH UNIT HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 9,000 people have received both of Pfizer vaccines. And 2,931 (91%) long-term care residents and 2,409 (or 66%) retirement home residents have received their first dose.
  • There have been 136 new cases reported to the health unit for the current week. There were 284 new cases reported to the health unit last week (week of January 31st), approximately 10% lower than the 307 cases reported for the week of January 24th.

IN OTHER COVID NEWS …

  • Canada getting 9 million new vaccine doses in deal with Pfizer.
  • Public inquest in to migrant workers who have died of COVID.
  • Trudeau announces stricter testing and quarantines for travellers who will have to pay for 72-hour hotel stays.
  • U.S. gives Moderna permission to up number of doses in each vaccine viral.
  • New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo under fire allegedly hiding number of COVIC cases in nursing homes. 
Here’s the short story Friday Feb. 12 for Simcoe-Muskoka.
Glenn Greavette can look to sell more trucks from Oshawa later this year when production resumes as Simcoe-Muskoka moves into the lesser-restrictive red zone starting the day after Family Day. 

Email mark@muskokatoday.com or news@muskokatoday.com

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