Our health unit has raised our region’s COVID-19 Community Risk Level to high.
It’s a step up from the moderate level, with Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) officials saying there’s been a rise in COVID-19 transmission in the region.
“We are seeing a higher level of COVID-19 transmission in Simcoe Muskoka, which means there is a greater risk of getting sick with potential for severe illness,” says Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU’s medical officer of health. “We note this in the context of ongoing elevated transmission of influenza as well as respiratory syncytial virus. Given this, we continue to encourage individuals to use more layers of protection, such as increasing frequency of mask use and maintaining physical distance in indoor public settings. Getting your bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster and your influenza vaccination is also strongly recommended and available across Simcoe Muskoka.”
The health unit sets the risk level based on PCR tests, confirmed cases, hospitalizations, outbreaks, and wastewater analysis. The rating is now at its second-highest level.
For a list of vaccination clinics, visit SMDHU’s website.