The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit notes the overall community risk level is "moderate" based on a week-over-week decrease of indicators like case counts, hospitalizations and capacity of local hospitals.
During the week of Dec. 4, there were 203 COVID cases confirmed in the region, which is a three-per-cent decrease in cases from the week of Nov. 27. There have been 120 cases confirmed this week so far, but reporting is delayed.
The latest update, which includes information collected by the health unit since Dec. 8, shows 237 more cases confirmed, 34 people in the hospital with COVID-19 and 11 more deaths.
Those 11 deaths are spread out over a few weeks. There were seven deaths during the week of Nov. 27 and three during the week of Dec. 4.
Of the last 20 deaths reported, 16 were seniors at least 70 years old. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit notes the rate of death is six times higher among unvaccinated or partially vaccinated adults aged 60 years or older than it is for those with at least one booster dose.
By hospitalization date, there were 19 COVID patients admitted during the week beginning Dec. 4 and 17 admitted during the week beginning Nov. 27.
There are 13 active outbreaks in the region, including 10 at institutional settings like hospitals or long-term care homes, and three at congregate settings like group homes and shelters.
Since the start of the pandemic, the local health unit has confirmed 54,524 cases of COVID-19, with 53,513 of those cases recovered and 663 cases ending in death.
About 25 per cent of Simcoe-Muskoka residents aged 12 or older are fully vaccinated and have had a booster dose within the last six months. Another 31 per cent is fully vaccinated and has had a booster dose more than six months ago, and more than 31 per cent of the population has had the primary series without booster doses. Eleven per cent of the population aged 12 and above is unvaccinated.
Wasewater monitoring in Midland, Bracebridge and Collingwood show COVID-19 virus DNA as present in each of the communities, but there's been no increase or decrease noted in the last week. Monitoring in Orillia and Penetanguishene shows an increase in SARS-CoV-2 signals.
Anyone who has not yet received their COVID-19 vaccination or booster doses is encouraged to do so as soon as they are eligible. Information about eligibility and clinic locations is available at smdhu.org/GetVaccinated.
The health unit is advising people use layers of protection for themselves and those around them, this can include wearing a mask and not visiting crowded spaces. But those measures are voluntary. As always, the health unit strongly urges people not to leave home if they are sick and experiencing symptoms of illness.
