BARRIE, ONT. -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 variant cases in Simcoe Muskoka nearly tripled in the past 24 hours, jumping from 19 to 51 on Tuesday. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) reports another 94 patients are waiting on a second test to confirm whether they too are infected with the variant. Health officials grow increasingly concerned, saying the U.K. variant is "50 per cent more contagious" and "it's able to find little holes in our armour," according to Dr. Colin Lee, SMDHU associate medical officer of health said Friday. Public health says the best protection is to stay home, socially distance and wash your hands often.