Simcoe Muskoka health unit reports 75 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend — yes, that’s a record

COVID-19 had an awfully reproductive weekend in the Simcoe-Muskoka region.

On Nov. 2, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reported 75 new laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus, in the first public update of statistics since Friday. This is the highest weekend jump in numbers since the start of the pandemic.

Of the new incidents reported, 23 are in New Tecumseth. Bradford (15), Barrie (12), Innisfil (eight), Ramara and Tay (three each), Clearview and Collingwood (two each) and Adjala-Tosorontio, Essa, Gravenhurst, Penetanguishene, Tiny and Wasaga Beach (one each) also had cases. The municipality of residence is still pending for one incident.

Ten people are 17 years of age or under. Two fall into the 80-plus demographic.

One case, a Barrie boy 17 years of age or under, is linked to an educational setting outbreak. The health unit could not confirm Monday the specific facility linked to this incident. However, this kind of outbreak occurs in either a childcare centre, college, university or elementary, secondary or trades school. The affected individual may also be listed by the health unit, even if the outbreak happens outside its jurisdiction. 

Two incidents (an 18- to 34-year-old Barrie woman and a 65- to 79-year-old Clearview man) are connected to workplace outbreaks; one (an 80-plus Gravenhurst woman) is associated with an institutional outbreak.   

The health unit says there have been 1,429 total cases in the region since the start of the pandemic — though 1,166 successfully recovered. Six people are currently hospitalized.

Fifty residents have died, including 34 in long-term-care and retirement facilities.

An outbreak was declared at Waterford Retirement Community in Barrie Monday. Outbreaks are also ongoing at three long-term-care and retirement facilities — Beeton’s Simcoe Manor, Alliston’s Riverwood Senior Living and Gravenhurst’s Granite Ridge Retirement Facility.

The Simcoe County and Simcoe Muskoka Catholic district school boards also reported several cases linked to their facilities in recent days. Tay Shores Public School in Victoria Harbour closed two classrooms after two people connected to the facility tested positive.

Innisfil Central Public School is reporting three incidents. Hillcrest Public School in Barrie has been linked to one case; a classroom has been closed as a result.

On Nov. 1, Tottenham’s Father F.X. O’Reilly Catholic School and Alliston’s Banting Memorial High School were each linked to a single case. Banting closed a classroom as a result. 

Also, an outbreak is ongoing at Bradford District High School, where three people are infected and two classrooms have been closed.

All of the aforementioned schools remain open.

For more information on the local effect of COVID-19, visit .