COVID-19

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COVID-19 Information

We want to assure you that the health and well-being of our residents remains as a top priority. The Township continues to monitor the status of COVID-19 and are working closely with the District of Muskoka and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), and continue to take their direction on all matters related to COVID-19.

For current information and updates, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.

For information about financial support and resources for individuals, workers, business owners and families during COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the District of Muskoka website.

Updates

Municipal Updates
What Outdoor Amenities Are Open?

Our parks and beaches are open for use however, some amenities do remain closed. Please continue to follow best health practices recommended by the Health Unit when using the Township’s outdoor amenities.

Outdoor Amenities Open/Closed
Flattening the Curve

As stated by Federal and Provincial health care officials, it is urgent that residents take steps immediately to limit the number of people we come in contact with to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Public health experts recommend:

Stay Home
• Avoid all non-essential trips into your community.

Practice Physical Distancing
• Physical distancing means keeping 2 meters or 6 feet between you and another person.
• Everyone should practice physical distancing to reduce their exposure to other people.
• Everyone should do their best to avoid close contact with people outside of their immediate families.

Practice Proper Hygiene
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Sneeze and cough into your sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Assessment Centres & Self Assessment Tool
 Huntsville Assessment Centres:

Location #1: Shoppers Drug Mart - 51 King William Street, Huntsville

Starting September 25, 2020, up to 60 pharmacy sites will provide free testing by appointment only to Ontarians who don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. Pharmacies will also pre-screen individuals in advance to ensure they don’t have any COVID-19 symptoms, before entering the pharmacy. For more information, please view the Ontario News Release.

 

Location #2: Huntsville Acting Living Centre - 20 Park Drive, Huntsville

The Huntsville Active Living Centre Assessment Centre will offer COVID-19 testing and assessments for anyone displaying symptoms or who believe a test is required. For more details and information, please visit the Town of Huntsville's COVID-19 website.

The centre will do their best to see you as quickly as possible. Staff may take a short break mid-day. Please allow yourself enough time to accommodate any wait periods. Test result timelines cannot be guaranteed with average result period being from 2-6 days, and up to 14 days.
Bracebridge Assessment Centre:

Patient access to the Assessment Centres is by appointment only Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. The Assessment Centre is not open for walk-in visits. 

Assessment Centre Location (Effective August 31, 2020):

Retrofitted Outbuilding Adjacent to the Helipad at the back of the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) property.

75 Ann Street, Bracebridge ON

COVID-19 Muskoka Assessment Centre

 Booking an Appointment (Bracebridge):
Appointments can be booked by calling 1-888-383-7009.  If you are unable to get to get to the Assessment Centre, you may discuss alternative options when you call for an appointment.

At the Assessment Centre, health care professionals will test for COVID-19 based on the most up-to-date guidelines from the Ministry of Health and the health care professional’s assessment of the individual.  You will be seen by a health care professional who will provide you with the necessary care instructions, if required.  You are strongly encouraged to follow up with your family doctor or primary care provider so they are also aware you have been tested and may also have access to your results. 
 Driving Directions & Parking:
  1.  Access is from Ann Street in Bracebridge, follow the signs. 
  2. Continue past the visitor parking lot and veer right toward the Emergency Entrance. Continue on the one-way driveway past the Emergency Entrance.
  3. Proceed straight into the parking lot directly ahead of you. The parking gates will be raised and there is no fee for parking.
  4. Park in one of the reserved parking spaces on the left side of the parking lot.
  5.  When leaving, turn right out of the parking lot (don’t go out through the one-way driveway).
  6. Continue past the portable to leave the property. At the stop sign, turn right toward Liddard Street.
Resources for Businesses
Food and Community Supports
Please visit the District of Muskoka's Food Resources and Community Support webpage. You will find local food and community support programs in Muskoka to support you and your families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dwight Winter Pantry & Baysville and Dorset Winter Pantry

We know this is a very tough time for too many. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures.

 Dwight Winter Pantry
Hours: Wednesday mornings, 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Where: Pick up outside Dwight Community Centre (1014 Dwight Beach Road - next to Dwight Library)

Contact: 

Call Marie at 705-635-9860 to reserve food and arrange curbside pickup, or delivery can be arranged if you are home bound or self-isolating.

Email: dwightwinterpantry@gmail.com. 

For more information, please visit the Dwight Winter Pantry Facebook page.
 Winter Pantry - Baysville & Dorset
Contact: To arrange for delivery, the Pantry requires a grocery list and an address.

Call Susan at 705-767-2205, or text 705-783-6427

Call or text Linda at 705-205-4577

Call or text Pat at 705-644-2741

Email: winter.pantry.lob@gmail.com  

For more information, please visit the Winter Pantry - Baysville & Dorset Facebook page.
 
Enforcement: Who to Call

If you have a specific COVID-19 related complaint:

  • To report non-compliance of the Quarantine Act (e.g. due to recent travel outside of Canada or at the direction of a health official), contact Public Health Agency of Canada 1-844-280-5020
  • Social gatherings of more than 5 persons, contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
  • Non-essential business open for other than take out or delivery, contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
  • Use of outdoor recreational facilities (excluding trails), contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
  • Suspected price gouging of essential goods, contact Ontario Consumer Protection Hotline 1-800-889-9768
Stay Active during COVID-19
Want to try something new while physically distancing at home? Check out the Township's Virtual Recreation Zone for some great activities and ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we launch our boat and go fishing?

Currently all boat launches in the Township of Lake of Bays are open. Please maintain social distancing of 2 meters (6 feet) and gatherings of 5 individuals at these public launches. For fishing regulations, please visit the 2020 Fishing Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. 
Is my business an essential service?

As a municipality, we can’t answer that and need to direct you to the Province of Ontario’s list of essential services.
Can we cycle/walk down public roadways to get exercise?

Yes, please maintain social distancing of 2 meters (6 feet) and unmonitored private social gatherings of 25 individuals if you come across another resident(s)/civilian(s).
Can we park at Dwight Beach?

Yes, you may park along the beach; please note that Municipal beaches are open (effective May 29, 2020). Please maintain social distancing of 2 meters (6 feet) and unmonitored private social gatherings of 25 individuals.
What number do we call for O.P.P. Services?

For those who are not following social distancing or self-isolation or unmonitored private social gatherings, or if you have a specific COVID-19 related complaint:

  • To report non-compliance of the Quarantine Act (e.g. due to recent travel outside of Canada or at the direction of a health official), contact Public Health Agency of Canada 1-844-280-5020
  • Social gatherings of more than 5 persons, contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
  • Non-essential business open for other than take out or delivery, contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
  • Use of outdoor recreational facilities (excluding trails), contact OPP 1-888-310-1122
  • Suspected price gouging of essential goods, contact Ontario Consumer Protection Hotline 1-800-889-9768
Can we legally get our water turned on at the cottage?

As a municipality, we cannot answer that and need to direct you to contact your plumber or contractor for more information.
Can we camp?

Effective June 1, 2020, backcountry camping is now permitted in Ontario Parks, including access points, paddle and portage routes and hiking trails. Following current Provincial restrictions, no more than 5 people will be allowed to occupy a backcountry campsite unless they live in the same household. Ontario Parks will also be expanding day-use activities to include picnicking and off-leash pet areas. Ontario is also reopening recreational camping on Crown land.
What shops/services are currently open in Lake of Bays?

With health and safety at the forefront, many local businesses in Lake of Bays have adapted their services to include online or telephone orders, takeout, curbside pickup, and/or delivery to respect physical distancing. The Township has created an Open for Business interactive map to highlight the products and services available around Lake of Bays at this time.

You can also check out our comprehensive Business Directory and contact individual businesses to make an inquiry about their current offerings.
Is the Roads Department still working?

Yes, the Public Works department and Fire Halls continue to operate with restricted access to the public.

Please note that Township services are still being offered online through the Township website, email and over the phone where possible. For full department and staff contact information visit the Contact Us webpage or call the contact numbers below:

Directory by Last name - 705-635-2272 press 1

Building and Planning - 705-635-2272 press 3

Taxes - 705-635-2272 press 4

Clerks - 705-635-2272 press 5

Accounts Payable and Receivable - 705-635-2272 press 6

By-law Enforcement - 705-635-2272 press 7

Public Works - 705-635-2851

Mayor - 705-635-2272 press 9

General mailbox - 705-635-2272 press 0

What is the Township doing to help local business?

The Township of Lake of Bays has provided a variety of resources to assist local businesses during this time. For more information, please visit: lakeofbays.on.ca/covid19-business
What are you doing to improve internet service?

Improving access to affordable, high-speed Internet for residents and businesses in Lake of Bays is identified as a priority in the Township's Economic Development Strategy and Strategic Work Plan (2019-2022). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for improved service is more evident than ever before. These strategies establish initiatives to foster collaboration between the public and private sector (ISPs) and advocate to address gaps and improve service delivery. For information about public wi-fi locations, internet service providers, and service expansion, please visit: lakeofbays.on.ca/internet

What are the new hours at the landfill and the changes at the transfer stations?

For more information, please visit the District of Muskoka’s Landfill information site

 

 Related External Updates:

Mental Health Resources

WellCan: A hub for mental health resources and tools to help all Canadians maintain positive mental, physical, social and financial health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kids Help Phone: Direct call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868 or website chat

Safespot.ca: Direct call 1-800-461-4236 ext 6270 or website chat

Good2Talk: A phone and texting service that provides confidential support to post-secondary students. Call 1-866-925-5454

BounceBack: A free, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program that provides guided mental health self-help supports for adults and youth 15+ using workbooks, online videos and phone coaching. Call 1-866-345-0224

Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka 705-645-2262 / 1-888-893-8333

Muskoka Victim Services: Offers 24 hr assistance that has quick assessment and directs people to other help.  Call 1-844-762-9945

ConnexOntario www.connexontario.ca 1-866-531-26

First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 24/7 (Bilingual, Other) - 1-855-242-331

Assaulted Women’s Helpline – Ontario (English, Other) – Text 24/7 to #7233

Ontario Online & Text Crisis Services (English) – Chat 2:00 pm to 2:00 am | Text 2:00 pm to 2:00 am to #258258

Canada Suicide Prevention Service (Bilingual) – Text 4:00 pm to 12:00 am to #45645
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit Updates
District of Muskoka Updates

Visit muskoka.on.ca

A joint message from Muskoka’s Mayors and the District Chair to all residents – year round and seasonal: “We are all in this together.” Read the full Message to all Residents from Muskoka's Mayors and District Chair
Federal & Provincial Updates
Ministry of Health Updates
Public Health Agency of Canada Updates
 Additional Information

 

 

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