Effective January 12, 2021, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is no longer providing details on COVID-19 cases by municipality due to the province’s decision to limit testing to only high-risk individuals. This incomplete data would not provide an accurate snapshot of transmission in the community. See below for other regional statistics.
Click here to see other COVID-19 news, community stories, and commentary.
Last updated January 24, 2022
Percent positivity (for the week ending Jan. 9):
Percent positivity represents the percentage of completed COVID-19 tests that are positive for the COVID-19 virus, over a defined period of time. A low percent positivity rate indicates the outbreak is under control, given more testing is finding a smaller proportion of positives.
Muskoka: 15.7 per cent
Simcoe County: 16.9 per cent
Ontario: 19.4 per cent
Immunizations
Muskoka residents age 12 and older*
- First dose: 52,017 (86.5 per cent)
- Second dose: 50,537 (84.0 per cent)
*SMDHU does not currently include 5 to 11 year-olds in its overall counts for the region. To date, 45 per cent of this age group in Muskoka have received a first dose, and six per cent have received a second dose.
Simcoe Muskoka residents age 5 and older
- First dose: 491,925 (85.6 per cent)
- Second dose: 461,608 (80.3 per cent)
- Third dose: 248,047 (43.1 per cent)
Active institutional outbreaks in Muskoka:
James Street Retirement Home, Bracebridge, declared Jan. 14, 2022
Fairvern, Huntsville, declared Jan. 7, 2022
Castle Peak Retirement Home, declared Jan. 3, 2022
Muskoka Landing, Huntsville, declared Jan. 2, 2022
The Pines, Bracebridge, declared Dec. 31. 2022
Muskoka Shores, Gravenhurst, declared Dec. 30, 2022
Active hospitalizations in Simcoe Muskoka (as of Jan. 23):
- 49, including four in ICU
Hospitalizations and deaths by immunization status for Simcoe Muskoka
*Includes data from the July 18, 2021 onward. Average weekly rates are shown.
For this period, the rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations among the unvaccinated population aged 12 and older is nine times higher, the rate of ICU admissions is 15 times higher, and the rate of deaths is eight times higher
Number of COVID-19 hospitalizations (age 12+) as of Jan. 24*:
- Fully vaccinated: 92
- Partially vaccinated: 14
- Unvaccinated or vaccinated with one dose less than 14 days: 177
COVID-19 hospitalization rate per 100,000 population (all ages) as of Jan. 24*:
- Fully vaccinated: 0.89
- Partially vaccinated: 1.25
- Unvaccinated or vaccinated with one dose less than 14 days: 7.84
Number of COVID-19 ICU admissions (age 12+) as of Jan. 24*:
- Fully vaccinated: 13
- Partially vaccinated: <5
- Unvaccinated or vaccinated with one dose less than 14 days: 45
COVID-19 ICU admission rate per 100,000 population (age 12+) as of Jan. 24*:
- Fully vaccinated: 0.13
- Partially vaccinated: NR
- Unvaccinated or vaccinated with one dose less than 14 days: 1.99
Number of COVID-19 deaths (age 12+) as of Jan. 24:*
- Fully vaccinated: 24
- Partially vaccinated: <5
- Unvaccinated or vaccinated with one dose less than 14 days: 42
COVID-19 death rate per 100,000 population (age 12+) as of Jan. 20*:
- Fully vaccinated: 0.23
- Partially vaccinated: NR
- Unvaccinated or vaccinated with one dose less than 14 days: 1.86
For more information:
- Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit COVID-19 information and statistics: simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/COVID-19
- How to book a COVID-19 vaccine: simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/COVID-19/Vaccine-and-Immunization
- Where and when to get tested: covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-test-and-testing-location-information
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Ralph Cliffe says
Don’t take your mask off yet, Canadians should be ‘more cautious’
with Delta variant spreading, experts say
Now if only our leaders understand the situation?
BJ BOLTAUZER says
Very good comment, Ralph Cliffe. But you expect too much of our “leaders”. Our leaders, and leaders across the world, are politicians. And as such they care only about themselves and their careers.
margrethe ruddock says
With all the vaccine information, it is really important that all of us in Huntsville try our best to keep each safe from Covid 19 and The Delta Varient. It is now really important that all over 12 years of age get fully Covid vaccinated to protect all our children younger than 12 who can not get vaccinated yet. 💉💉
Tami Kegley says
I think our leaders clearly understand the issue at hand. As such, we have been provided the necessary vaccines to get the job done. That is on each and every one of us as responsible members of the community. I challenge all who have yet to get their second jab to do so as soon as permitted. I would just add that our health unit should continue to seek getting doses to those who may be home bound or otherwise unable to get to a pharmacy or vaccination pop up.
Flu vaccines will also be available soon. In our household we will be fully innoculated and wearing our masks in the appropriate circumstances. It is the least we can do to keep each other safe and our businesses open and functioning, not to mention protecting children under 12 and others unable to receive the jab.
I am really quite proud of how we have done to this point. Let’s keep up the good work!
Murray Christenson says
How is it that 75.9% of Simcoe Muskoka residents have had their first shot while 80% have had both shots?.
Dawn Huddlestone, Managing Editor says
Thanks for catching that typo, Murray. It’s been corrected.
John Lacey says
What is it with some of these people in Huntsville? Did we all of a sudden feel we are invincible because we have had both shots or none. Wake up people and use your head. Be more cautious and aware of groups and wear your masks. We can only beat the pandemic together.
Brenda Begg says
To John Lacey: I agree. There are some people who feel invincible because they’ve had 2 shots. They’ve become complacent. I understand that; it’s been a long haul. Most certainly we do need to continue to be cautious with whom and where we mingle, continue to mask, keep our hands away from our faces, sanitize/wash our hands, physically distance, and get the jab including any recommended Booster shots. Covid mutates. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Wilma Brown says
COVID-19 Advisory School Status On TLDSB site shows the accurate count of cases. VK Greer does not have 13 cases and Spruce Glen has 11.
Dawn Huddlestone, Managing Editor says
Hi Wilma,
The school board reports only the cases that are active, while the health unit reports the total number of cases confirmed in the outbreak from the time it was declared. The number we have used is the health unit’s.
Harolyn Hussain says
I hope they have shut Spruce Glen down for the time being !!! Now we will probably have to worry about a stronger variant with the new, stronger spreading “Omicron” !!! Wear the mask, get vaccinated and stay safe!!!
Brenda Begg says
It is disheartening, frustrating, and darn scary to hear that there are now 17 active cases of Covid (Spruce Glen). 17! We shall keep the affected and their families in our prayers.
Like Harolyn Hussain, I do wonder – at what point does a school shut down?
Wendy Brown says
Ok the cases are higher here atm than they have been since this started. So what do they do they have that market on the weekend, how stupid was that. Give it a couple of weeks and the cases will be much higher.
Brenda Begg says
My husband and I attended “that market” on Saturday held inside Canvas Brewery. BTW: we are not risk takers when it comes to our health. People were required to provide contact information, answer the standard Covid questions, show proof of double vaccination, plus i.d. There was hand sanitizer available at the entrance. And, of course, everyone had to wear a mask. We didn’t see anyone there without a mask on (except the patrons at the bar). It was very well organized (thank you, Rachel) and booths were not one on top of the other. The atmosphere was festive. The merchandise for sale at the booths was tastefully displayed and the vendors were very friendly and welcoming. We would definitely go back; a summer market at Canvas Brewery would be lovely. Thank you to everyone who had a booth, to the organizers, and to the professional Canvas Brewery staff. “That market” made our day!
Carolyn Clark says
As Brenda said the Canvas event was well organized although a little “close”. What was “stupid”were the number of people on Main Street who chose to go without masks in spite of the signs asking you to wear one!
I’m sure it was a tough call for the organizers and vendors who have been preparing for some time!
Individuals must take more responsibility and not just assume that our shots will totally protect us!
Unfortunately our provincial government has been irresponsible in suggesting that January or March might be end dates. How “stupid” is that when no one knows when the next variant might skew all our beliefs .
Ralph Cliffe. says
Right now I am feeling very unlucky!
Justin Trudeau is the man leading us into battle
to fight the new Omicron virus.
Between him and ignorant people I don’t feel very safe!
Brenda Begg says
To Carolyn Clark: we didn’t go downtown. I don’t know the answer to people who refuse to mask when asked to, in this scenario. Interestingly, I heard a tv host divulge that she recently went to a Toronto Mall and there were many people unmasked! What do you do? I would leave. I would also attempt to contact the mall manager to inform him/her as to why I was not patronizing that mall. Of our Huntsville restaurants that enforce proof of double vaccination and i.d., Tall Trees, Swiss Chalet, Chuck’s Roadhouse, Three Guys and a Stove do. These are the only ones we’ve frequented. Please, please, ask for i.d. and proof of double vaccination. We’ve come so far and don’t want to go into ‘Lockdown’ again. Get the jab, get the booster when you qualify, mask, physically distance, stay within your own household or bubble. Refrain from taking calculated risks. Don’t assume that you’re ‘safe’. We aren’t out of the woods yet.
Jon Bionda says
I like the simple presentation of the stats on this page, but think I found an error/typo. The immunization percentages for Simcoe Muskoka residents aged 12+ seemed low so I checked SMDHU website and your exact numbers are listed for Total Population. First dose of 12+ is 88% now.
Also, the rates and raw numbers by vax status for new cases and hospitalizations are given as of a particular date (currently Nov 29), but doesn’t say over what period of time. The SMDHU website luckily still had a chart with your same numbers that says they are from the most recent 8-week period. It would be helpful to add this info near the top of this section.
Dawn Huddlestone, Managing Editor says
Thanks, Jon. The post has been updated.
Gabrielle Andersen says
Hello:
Shouldn’t the unvaccinated numbers be higher than the vaccinated?
I am wondering if the numbers have been reversed, or is it the case that omicron is spreading more rapidly in the vaccinated?
I’m a bit confused.
Anna-Lise Kear says
“Effective January 12, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is no longer providing details on COVID-19 cases by municipality due to the province’s decision to limit testing to only high-risk individuals. This incomplete data would not provide an accurate snapshot of transmission in the community. See below for other regional statistics.”
NOT Great News about the reporting changes in Ontario. This will also minimize the reporting of what is happening with COVID infections in schools. Why are Ontarians not allowed to know this information?
Have we become so complacent about COVID that we now tie the hands of public health people to provide us with the best information they can? The appearance of this DF Conservative move is to diminish concern — by not reporting the information?????????
Reminds me of the shortened Canada census form in the SH Government. Only, this move has greater consequences.
Brenda Begg says
Anna-Lise: I agree. The move from the Health Unit to not provide the public by municipality about Covid case numbers (based on the province’s decision to limit testing to only high-risk individuals) is not in our best interests. I appreciate and understand that under the circumstances – numbers reported are not accurate. However, some people may become complacent because there is NO data to indicate the severity. I find it even more disconcerting that parents/caregivers of school children won’t have access to what is happening with Covid cases in schools. But, hey, what do we know as a retired nurse (you) and a retired primary teacher (me)?