BARRIE, ONT. --
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reports an alarming 269 new positive COVID-19 cases, 76 of those in Barrie.
The numbers listed Tuesday reflect positive tests since Friday.
The region's death toll is on the rise as the health unit reports two more people have lost their lives with COVID-19.
There are currently 895 active cases, including 28 who are hospitalized.
The SMDHU's website states the increase in case levels are twice the province's red level and that "our ability to control case growth is still precarious."
Modelling indicates area hospitals could become overwhelmed as cases surge. "Under all scenarios, ICU occupancy will be above 300 beds within 10 days. Worst-case scenarios show occupancy above 1,500 beds by mid-January," SMDHU states.