Our health unit has raised the region’s COVID-19 Community Risk Level to high.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) says it comes after a local rise in COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths in the past few weeks. Officials say 39 local residents had COVID-19 as their underlying or contributing cause of death since September, with all but one being 65 or older.
“With the higher level of COVID-19 transmission in Simcoe Muskoka, there is a greater risk of getting sick with potential for severe illness,” says Dr. Colin Lee, SMDHU’s associate medical officer of health. “Getting this season’s COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are able if it has been 6 months since your last COVID infection or vaccination will help to protect you and those around you. It is also important to layer protective measures as ways to help prevent illness.”
Officials ask residents to take precautions to protect themselves and others, such as:
- Staying home and keeping children home when sick
- Covering your face when you cough or sneeze, washing hands, and disinfecting high-touch surfaces
- Wearing a mask in public indoor spaces
