BRACEBRIDGE TRIO AMONG TODAY’S 42 COVID CASES IN SIMCOE-MUSKOKA

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

SIMCOE-MUSKOKA — Yesterday three young men in Bracebridge, 18-34, were reported to have tested for positive for COVID-19.

They are all under investigation by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) after having first episodes the day before.

The trio are among 42 SMDHU cases Tuesday and 70 so far this week.

As well, the health unit is reporting another Muskoka death — from last Friday — a man 80+ and the seventh in the district. It also says man, 65-79, died in Simcoe Saturday, death number 267 there.

Of today’s regional cases 25 were unvaccinated, 16 fully vaccinated and 1 partially vaccinated.

The news comes as Dr. Theresa Tam says ongoing high numbers make a case for continued widespread mask use.

This as has Moderna applied to Health Canada for permission to dispense vaccines to kids 6-11. On October 18 Pfizer sought the same permit for those aged 5-11. Health Canada is expected to make an announcement on at least one vaccine any day now.

Thing are at least looking up – or is that down – at the Gravenhurst Opera House, where extensive renovations inside and out have been underway throughout the pandemic.

HEALTH UNIT HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 14,691 cases to date
  • 70 this week
  • 331 last week, which was 33% higher than the 249 cases the first week of November
  • From Dec. 22 there have been 603 vaccinated residents
  • 8 deaths in November, 5 in each of the two previous months
  • From Sept. 19 to November 13, the rate of COVID-19 infection among the unvaccinated vaccine-eligible Simcoe Muskoka population is 8 times higher than it is for fully vaccinated population and the rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations is 11 times higher.
  • 4,008 Alpha variants of concern, 169 Gamma, 34 Beta, 1,990 Delta
  • 921,842 vaccines have been administered
  • 464,245 residents have received at least one vaccine, which represents 77% of the total population
  • 87% of the population 12+ have had at least one vaccine
  • 87% of youth 12 to 17 have also received at least one vaccine

There were 5 new hospital admissions overnight, bringing to 17 the number in hospital.

IN OTHER COVID NEWS …

Toronto has surpassed 5 million vaccines.

Quebec reports 517 cases and 2 deaths.

A St. Thomas hospital says it is overwhelmed with unvaccinated cases.

Mexico will start vaccinating teens 15-17 tomorrow.

Saskatchewan is the latest province to receive the one-shot J&J vaccine — 2,500 cases. Last week Albert received 5,000 of the same doses.

Ontario pharmacies will soon be allowed to test people with symptoms.

TTC riders can expect late trains (by 8 minutes) next week and bus service cuts due to staff shortages related to unvaccinated workers.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Star is reporting that GO Transit and UP riders may be exposed to unvaccinated workers, even as GO has suspended some workers, according to operator Metrolinx.

A Pfizer deal will allow its promising COVID-19 treatment to be made and sold inexpensively in 95 poorer nations that are home to more than half of the world’s population. It follows a similar deal made by Merck for its pill form that provides royalty-free licences for use in Africa and Asia.

John Hopkins reports 5 million dead to date and 254 million cases worldwide.

EMAIL: news@muskokatoday.com

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