The health unit is preparing to implement further restrictions on social gatherings and capacity limits on certain businesses as COVID-19 case counts surge across Simcoe Muskoka.
“I have very serious concerns about what will come in the days and weeks to follow,” Dr. Gardner said during a virtual COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday.
In a media release issued on Wednesday, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) stated that “two-dose vaccination status cannot be relied upon for protection against the Omicron variant.”
The region’s top doctor said the province’s decision to ease restrictions heading into the colder weather “contributed to the higher case counts and more hospitalizations locally.”
Dr. Charles Gardner noted he intends to issue the orders this week “if the provincial government does not announce broad province-wide restrictions and other public health measures to stem the rise of Omicron.”
The release stated that the new restrictions would come into effect Monday if issued.
Health experts say the new COVID-19 variant is rapidly becoming the dominant strain in the province.
LOCAL COVID-19 CASES FOR WEDNESDAY
The health unit reports 108 COVID-19 cases and one new death on Wednesday in Simcoe Muskoka.
There are 886 active infections and 21 hospitalizations in the region.
Of the new cases, 57 are among unvaccinated residents.
Dr. Gardner noted the number of possible Omicron cases has jumped from seven last week to 26,
“Some are travel-related, some are not,” the medical officer of health said. “In fact, we are seeing community transmission of the Omicron variant in Simcoe Muskoka, and it will quickly rise in its proportion relative to all of our cases and take over.”
Dr. Gardner said the number of vaccination clinics would increase to get shots into as many arms as possible, adding that a third dose would be necessary to help protect against the Omicron variant.
