General News » Headline News » News

Vaccination efforts continue as the number of new COVID-19 cases continue decline

June 24, 2021   ·   0 Comments

Eligibility for vaccines in the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit continues to expand as the number of new cases of COVID-19 here in New Tecumseth and Province-wide continues to decline.

As of Monday, June 21, New Tecumseth has seen a total of 1,485 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 1,412 of which remain active.

Between June 14 and June 21, just two new cases of the virus were reported by the Health Unit (SMDHU), with one, a female between the ages of 35 and 44 acquiring the virus through close contact, and a male between the ages of 18 and 34, whose case is deemed to be community-acquired.

Local residents seeking their first or second doses of the vaccine can now get their shots at the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre, which takes the place of Alliston Memorial Area as the community’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

The transition between clinics was effective June 21.

“All upcoming COVID-19 vaccine appointments as of June 21 will be held at this new location,” said the SMDHU. “Access to the clinic is through the fieldhouse (7300 Industrial Parkway) entrance on the west side of the recreation centre. Please do not use the main public entrance.”

Those who are 12 years of age and older are eligible to book their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine through simcoemuskokahealth.org. Individuals who are turning 70 or older in 2021 are currently eligible for their second doses, which can be booked via the same method, as are those who received their first dose on or before May 9, along with highest priority health care workers, individuals with certain health conditions, and First Nations, Inuit and Metis individuals and their household members.

Effective this Wednesday, June 23, at 8 a.m., individuals who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) on or before May 30, who live in communities deemed as hot spots for the Delta variant, including Simcoe-Muskoka, will be eligible to book or rebook their second doses.

All Ontarians 18 years of age and older who received their first doses of mRNA vaccines will be able to book their second doses starting the week of June 28, with further details expected in the coming days.

“Thanks to the efforts of Team Ontario, we are making tremendous progress in our vaccine rollout, protecting communities at greatest risk of COVID-19 and variants,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott. “Every dose administered brings us closer to ending the pandemic and moving to Step Two of our Roadmap and I encourage everyone to do their part and get their shot as soon as they are eligible.”

If you’re looking to do more to help the community get to Step 2, the SMDHU is seeking volunteers to help at vaccination clinics in communities as close as Innisfil and as far as Bracebridge and Huntsville.

“Clinic volunteers provide essential support in non-clinical roles and help contribute to an excellent client experience,” says the SMDHU. “Volunteer responsibilities may include monitoring waiting areas, assisting, and directing clients and engaging in cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, be able to stand for long periods of time, work both indoors and outdoors, wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and obtain a satisfactory criminal record check upon hiring.

“More information about volunteering at a vaccination clinic across Simcoe Muskoka can be found at www.smdhu.org. Interested individuals can fill out an online application form or can inquire by emailing HRCOVID19volunteer@smdhu.org.”

By Brock Weir

Readers Comments (0)