Over the past “several months,” officials with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) say Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka have “experienced an increase in COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths.”
SMDHU’s community risk level is currently positioned at “high,” which is the second-highest level possible. The health unit has been at this level since Dec. 8. The level is reviewed every Thursday.
Officials recommend staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines as well as getting the influenza shot as soon as you’re able to. They add anyone aged six months and older can receive a COVID-19 XBB vaccine for free at participating pharmacies and some health care providers. Officials say the flu vaccine is free for anyone five or older at the same places but anyone six months to two years old must go to a doctor, nurse, or set up an appointment at a health care clinic.
The health unit is continuing to offer free rapid antigen tests at some of its buildings, including 2-5 Pineridge Gate in Gravenhurst and 34 Chaffey St. in Huntsville.
With files from Martin Halek