Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is now reporting 115 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the region.
New cases reported since yesterday include a Wasaga Beach woman in her 70s, an Innisfil woman in her 50s, and a New Tecumseth woman in her 20s. All are self-isolating and are believed to have contracted the virus due to close contact with a known case.
There is also a man in his 40s from Bradford West-Gwillimbury in self-isolation who is believed to have contracted the virus through community transmission.
An Orillia woman in her 20s is in self-isolation and has a travel history (country not specified). And the last case reported is a woman in her 50s from Bradford West Gwillimbury in self-isolation, the source of her transmission is under investigation.
Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health for SMDHU, confirmed one of the newly listed cases is a staff member at Bradford Valley long-term care facility. This is the third confirmed case in a staff member at the facility. There are 14 residents confirmed positive for COVID-19.
"In my opinion, we're still in active local outbreak," said Gardner today. "In no way would I be willing to conclude we’ve reached the peak. I think that will be some time in the future before that occurs."
Of the 114 cases posted to the health unit's website, 40 people have recovered and 40 are in self-isolation. There are 14 people hospitalized and five have died from the virus. The 115th case has not been posted.
Regional deaths include two men in their 70s in Barrie (confirmed related), an Orillia couple in their 70s and 80s, and a Wasaga Beach man in his 70s.
In Simcoe County and Muskoka, there are 41 cases of COVID-19 linked to travel, 25 linked to close contact with another known case, and 30 community-acquired cases. There are four more under investigation.
The case breakdown for towns and cities in the region is as follows: Collingwood (3), Barrie (20), Orillia (10), Springwater (4), Clearview (2), New Tecumseth (13), Adjala-Tosorontio (2), Bradford West Gwillimbury (29), Essa (2), Innisfil (4), Wasaga Beach (3) Midland (3), Penetanguishene (1), Oro-Medonte (2), Tiny (2), Ramara (2), Gravenhurst (6), Muskoka Lakes (2), and Huntsville (4).
According to Gardner the province has now broadened its criteria for who should receive a COVID-19 swab test.
The new criteria from the province includes testing anyone in a long-term care facility with symptoms as well as anyone in contact with them (residents and staff) regardless if they have symptoms.
"The move toward testing people under those conditions without symptoms is a key change," said Gardner.
He said the province is also stating first responders and health care workers can be tested if they are showing any symptoms.
"We're stating to the assessment centres ... if they have capacity ... we support them doing more testing [beyond the province's guidelines]," said Gardner.
