The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reporting a significant increase in local cases of COVID-19.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Charles Gardner reported 25 new cases in the region since the week prior.
“I think it’s worth noting that this is a very substantial increase in our case count. We’ve not had a weekly increase of this magnitude since June 21,” said Gardner. In that week there were 40 confirmed cases. He said we are still below the provincial average in weekly incidences.
As of presstime on Thursday, the total case count for Simcoe Muskoka is 716. There are no new deaths and two people currently in hospital.
He is urging people to stay the course, following health protocols, especially as students and teachers return to school next week.
“We continue to work closely with the school boards. We are building up our own internal team and hiring staff in order to do our part to protect the schools.
Gardner said they now have outbreak guidelines from the province and are working to tailor them to local needs.
There will be an onus on parents and guardians to assess students’ health before sending them to school. The health unit is asking parents keep students home if they are exhibiting any of the respiratory type symptoms. They should report symptoms to the school, possibly seek testing and self-monitor. They are to remain home until they are symptom-free for a period of 24 hours. This does not apply to recurring allergies.
Parent resources will be posted at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.