GRAVENHURST, LAKE OF BAYS CASES, AS KIDS 5-11 WEEKS FROM GETTING VACCINATED

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

SIMCOE-MUSKOKA — With vaccination of kids 5-11 only weeks away, the health unit reporting 25 cases including a pair in Muskoka.

A Gravenhurst man, 35-44, is under investigation after reporting yesterday with a first episode the day before.

And a Lake of Bays woman, also 35-44, who had close contact reported as well Oct. 20 with her first episode Saturday.

(*A previous case reported in Collingwood was moved to Muskoka.)

Thursday’s 25 cases include 22 who were unvaccinated and 3 who weren’t.

And they bring to 69 the number of residents testing positive this week — with one more day of reporting to go. Last week there were 111 and 135 the first week of October.

This as kids 5-11 should soon get vaccinated within weeks, said Toronto’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Eileen de Villa.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ottawa has a deal with Pfizer for 2.9 million doses once Health Canada issues its approval.

Even pets like to get out an socialize, as these two friendly pets did while making a visit to the Gravenhurst Animal Hospital. Vets there say they are so busy with the outdoors pandemic protocols that don’t allow for owners inside that they aren’t just now taking any new pet patients.

HEALTH UNIT HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 13,859 case to date
  • 69 cases this week; 111 last week, which was 18% lower than the 135 cases the week of Oct. 3
  • From Dec. 22 there have been 352 confirmed COVID-19 cases among vaccinated individuals
  • From Aug. 22 to Oct. 16 the rate of COVID-19 infection among the unvaccinated vaccine-eligible Simcoe Muskoka population is 10 times higher than it is for fully vaccinated population and the rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations is 23 times higher.
  • 4,007 Alpha variants of concern, 168 Gamma, 34 Beta, 1,458 Delta
  • 899,764 vaccines have been administered
  • 458,116 resident have received at least one dose of vaccine, which represents 76% of the total population
  • 86% of the population 12+ have had at least one vaccine
  • 86% of youth 12 to 17 years of age who have received at least one dose of vaccine

Of today’s 25 cases 22 were unvaccinated and 3 fully vaccinated.

IN OTHER COVID NEWS …

15,000 Ontario school board employees have not submitted vaccination status reports, but most have, according to a Toronto Star investigation. So far this school year 1,126 cases have occurred among students and staff.

Federal CRB, CEWS and CERS benefits all end Saturday. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said today that the economy has turned around enough to end supports. However, caregiving and sickness benefits will be extended to May 7, 2022.

A national vaccine passport is now available (issued by provinces) for those travelling abroad or via inter-provincial rail.

India has surpassed 1 billion vaccines — with 75 per cent of residents vaccinated once and 30 per cent twice.

A Manitoba judge has ruled the province’s pandemic restrictions do no infringe on rights, despite a court challenge by some churches.

WHO want 40 per cent of the world vaccinated at least once by the end of the year.

EMAIL: news@muskokatoday.com

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