ONTARIO LIFTING MASK MANDATE MARCH 21 AND ALL RESTRICTIONS APRIL 27

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

SIMCOE-MUSKOKA — News that has the province lifting most mask mandates March 21 and all restrictions April 27 is being greeted with a mixture relief and trepidation.

As was the case when they were imposed.

The latest comes as Simcoe-Muskoka reports 79 cases Wednesday, bringing Sunday, Monday and Tuesday’s total to 154 this week.

Last week the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) reported 496 cases,  which was down 16% from 569 cases the week before.

The health unit also says there have been two more related deaths in the community this week:

  • Male 65-79, Simcoe, sporadic, March 5
  • Male, 65-79, Simcoe, sporadic, March 7

And one reported today from last month:

  • Male, 45-64, Simcoe, sporadic, Feb 20

As of today, there remain 746 active cases that the health unit can confirm — though the Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, said last week provincial case numbers could be ten times that number.

Simcoe-Muskoka also reports 22 in hospital and 7 in ICU yesterday.

Moore said today that after the March school break indoor mask requirements will no longer be mandatory — though businesses or facilities are free to keep them in place.

He admitted there will be a “slight increase,” as a result as the virus remains in circulation.

The risk is minimal now, he said, even for children.

Masks will still be required in LTCs, on Toronto’s TTC buses and subways and in other close-contact settings like hospitals, congregate settings and shelters.

Muskoka vaccine clinics today and tomorrow

Wednesday, March 9

  • Ryde Community Co-op, 1624 Barkway Rd., Gravenhurst, 10 a.m. – noon

Thursday, March 10

  • Lake of Bays Community Centre Arena — Senior’s Building, 10 University St., Baysville, 2 to 6 p.m.
  • Monsignor Michael O’Leary Catholic School, 2 Tamarack Trail, Bracebridge 4 to 7 p.m.
Kids will soon be able to enjoy mask-free school and activities along with the public after the March break ends March 21.

HEALTH UNIT HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 36,260 confirmed cases to date
  • 154 cases this week
  • 496 last week, 16% lower than the 569 cases the week before
  • 3 deaths in March, 51 in February, 74 in January
  • From July 18 to March 8, the rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations among the unvaccinated vaccine-eligible Simcoe Muskoka population is 4 times higher than it is for those who have received at least two vaccine doses, the rate of COVID-19 ICU admissions is 8 times higher and the rate of deaths is 3 times higher.
  • 1,275,604 vaccines have been administered
  • 497,033 residents have received at least one dose of vaccine, which represents 81% of the total population
  • 85% of the population 5+ have had at least one dose of vaccine including 81% of youth 12 to 17
  • 48% of children 5 to 11 have received at least one dose of vaccine
The health unit reports 22 in hospital and 7 in ICU.

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