The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reported this morning that there is one new laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in Huntsville, bringing the total for the municipality to six and the total in Muskoka to 17.
The newest case is a woman in her 40s. How she acquired the infection is still under investigation by the health unit.
The other five cases in Huntsville were acquired either through travel (three) or close contact with a reported case (two) and are all reported as recovered. The other Muskoka cases are: six in Gravenhurst (all recovered), three in Muskoka Lakes (of which two are recovered, and one is deceased), one in Lake of Bays (recovered), and one in Bracebridge.
There are now 259 cases within the health unit’s catchment area with the bulk of them—241—in Simcoe County.
Although the number of cases being reported daily across the province have begun to subside and the Province today said it is beginning to plan how—but not yet when—to reopen the economy, the need for measures to stop the spread of the virus remain important.
The health unit recommends that people stay home as much as possible—those who have travelled outside of the country or who have symptoms of COVID-19 must stay at home for at least 14 days. If you are not among those required to self-isolate due to travel or symptoms and you must go out, practise physical distancing by keeping at least two metres distance between you and another person. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use the self-assessment tool to help determine how to seek further care.
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Jim Sinclair says
There doesn’t seem to be a Dear Editor space in Doppler, but I will ask my question here (if that is allowed).
What is the status of the retirement and nursing homes in the Muskoka/ Parry Sound Simcoe catchment area as regards the Corona virus? Are they locked down? Are there any statistics ?
Dawn Huddlestone, Managing Editor says
Hi Jim,
Under provincial orders, long-term care homes have been restricting access to their facilities with no visitors allowed and requiring that staff work at only one home. (You can see details on all of the Province’s actions here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-action-plan-long-term-care-homes) Although there have been COVID-19 outbreaks in LTC homes in the province, including several in Simcoe County, to date there have been no cases at any in Muskoka.