The health unit reported two new cases of COVID-19 in Collingwood and one in Wasaga Beach among a list of 44 new cases confirmed in the region today.
There have now been 52 Collingwood residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, there are 11 people local residents currently isolating at home and two are hospitalized with the coronavirus.
Collingwood General and Marine Hospital reports there is one person hospitalized there with COVID-19.
Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health for Simcoe-Muskoka region, also reported today there have been no more cases associated with an outbreak declared at Raglan Village in Collingwood on Dec. 12. The outbreak was declared after one resident tested positive as part of routine testing. There have been no other cases reported as part of that outbreak.
Vaccination of the priority groups identified by the province's vaccine roll-out plan has begun in the region. Today a personal support worker from Barrie's Victoria Village, received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19. She was the first person in Simcoe County and Muskoka District to receive the vaccine. She was inoculated at the COVID-19 vaccination clinic set up in Barrie, which is a partnership between the City of Barrie, the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
You can read the story about it here.
Currently, the health unit is contacting long-term care homes to arrange appointments for staff by invitation only. There are no public COVID-19 vaccine centres open anywhere in the province yet.
There have been several closures confirmed today in the wake of yesterday's province-wide shutdown announcement.
- The Town of Collingwood will close its arenas and pools by Dec. 26
- The Blue Mountains is closing its arenas, community halls, museum, library and town hall on Christmas Eve
- Collingwood Public Library is suspending most services, but will still offer online holds and in-person pickup of borrowed items through the shutdown
As per the provincial rules for the shutdown commencing Dec. 26, all ski hills are closed. Yesterday evening Blue Mountain Resort issued a statement requesting patience from its guests as it works through providing refunds for lodging guests and lift ticket purchases, and deferrals for passholders.
Want to know more about the province-wide shutdown starting Boxing Day? Here's a list of what can be open and what must close.
The Ontario essential businesses list as of Dec. 26, 2020
What will be open:
- Supermarkets, convenience stores and indoor farmers markets
- Big box and discount stores that sell groceries
- Pharmacies
- Liquor stores
- Supply chain businesses and those declared essential
- Childcare centres and home-based child care
- An outdoor recreation amenity (skating rink) can be deemed open if participants can socially distance.
- Hotels, lodges, cabins, motels – must close any indoor fitness areas, pools, restaurants.
Curbside Pick Up/Appointment Only:
- General retail (small businesses) for curbside pick-up or delivery only
- Restaurants for take-out, drive-thru and delivery only
- Pet stores curbside pick up only, veterinary clinics to use curbside pick up/drop off.
- Cannabis stores for curbside pick-up or delivery only
- Garden centres for curbside pic-up or delivery only
- Motor vehicle sales by appointment only
- Vehicle and equipment rental by appointment only
- Car mechanic by appointment only
- Home sales will be done by appointment only
What Will Be Closed:
- Shopping malls closed for in-person retail
- Salons
- In-person driving instruction except for commercial vehicles.
- Indoor sports and recreation
- Museums, zoos and similar venues
- Drive-in or Drive through events are not permitted
- Night clubs and strip clubs
- Ski hills
