COVID-19

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COVID-19 Information

As of Friday, April 16, 2021, the Emergency Declaration and the Stay-At-Home Order will be extended for an additional 2 weeks. For more details, read the Ontario Newsroom release.

Effective Thursday, April 7, 2021 the Province will move into a Provincewide Stay-At-Home Order. For more details, read the Ontario Newsroom release. The Municipal Office remains closed to the public until further notice. Services continue to be offered online, email and by phone. View the staff directory at lakeofbays.on.ca/Contact. 

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.

Some of the local politicians have been advocating to have Muskoka viewed independently from Simcoe in the framework of Regional COVID-19 Response Plans. A community petition has been established if you wish to participate. Please visit www.change.org and search for: Separate Muskoka from Simcoe for COVID-19 Response Region.

 Mayoral, Media and News Updates

Municipal Updates
COVID-19 Vaccines and Immunization

On March 15, 2021 the Ontario Government launched a provincial booking system and customer service desk to support COVID-19 vaccination appointment bookings. Pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment is open for eligible groups in phase 1 who live, work and routinely access health care in Simcoe Muskoka.

You must have:

  • A green photo health card (expired card will be accepted)
  • An email address
  • A modern web browser (the booking site is not compatible with Internet Explorer 11 or earlier).

To book online, visit Ontario.ca/bookvaccine. For phone support, call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line: 1-833-943-3900; Hours of Operation - 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday.

Please note: Once you pre-register, you will be sent an email invitation with a booking code to book your appointment on the provincial booking system. You will not receive this email immediately. This may take a number of days or weeks depending on vaccine supply and volume of registrations.

If you would like to learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccines, or have questions regarding the vaccine and immunization, please visit:

Community Clinics:

Transportation Service to Community Clinics:

The District has partnered with Hammond Transportation Ltd. to have an accessible vehicle available to help transport eligible individuals to the COVID-19 vaccination clinics located in Bracebridge and Huntsville. You can learn more about the on-demand service and other community transportation initiatives on the District's website.
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 COVID-19 Assessment Centre will offer COVID-19 testing and assessments for anyone displaying symptoms or who believe a test is required.

Upcoming Holiday Hours:

  • Open Good Friday, April 2, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by appointment.
  • Closed Easter Monday, April 5, 2021 (for those needing a test on this day, please contact the Bracebridge Assessment Centre for an appointment)

The Huntsville COVID-19 Assessment Centre accepts walk-in appointments as well as pre-booked appointments (effective Monday, January 11, 2021) and is open for testing and assessment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am until 1:00pm. 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:

Access to the Assessment Centres is by appointment only Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. The Assessment Centre is not open for walk-in visits. For more information, please visit www.mahc.ca/COVID-19Testing/ 

Location:

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

75 Ann Street, Bracebridge ON

 

 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. Press the button to take a ticket and raise the parking gates (your parking will be validated by Assessment Centre staff).
  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
Frequently Asked Questions

 

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 walk down public roadways to get exercise?

Yes, please maintain social distancing of 2 meters (6 feet).
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.
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. 

Please visit the Township's 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
Can we camp?

Effective April 16, 12:01 a.m., recreational camping on Crown land will be prohibited to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
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 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

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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