COVID-19

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Ontario has released details of steps to cautiously and gradually ease public health measures, starting January 31, 2022.

The Municipal Office is offering in-person services. Please follow these guidelines when visiting:

  • Please pre-screen yourself before entering the building; and
  • Masks and face coverings are mandatory.

To ensure availability, please continue to call the Municipal Office at 705-635-2272 to book an appointment during normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.).  

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. Please view the Township's COVID-19 Safety Plan.

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.

 Mayoral, Media and News Updates

COVID-19 Vaccine Weekly Walk-In Schedule (December 16 - December 23, 2021)

Please view the December 16th to December 23rd Schedule
COVID-19 Vaccine Popup Clinic - Saturday, August 14, 2021

Location: Robertson Parkette at Riverfront Dock (Baysville Terrace, Baysville)

COVID-19 Vaccine Popup Clinic

Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Details:

  • Must be a resident of Simcoe Muskoka
  • 1st or 2nd doses are available for anyone 12 years of age or older
  • Only mRNA vaccines available.
  • If you received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) as your first dose, you are eligible for your second dose at the provincial interval of at least 28 days after the first dose.
  • If you received AstraZeneca vaccine as your first dose and are opting to receive an mRNA vaccine for your second dose you are eligible for your second dose 8 to 12 weeks after your first dose.
  • Doses available until supplies last.
  • Individuals are encouraged to dress for the weather as they may be required to wait outdoors.
  • Bring a health card, a list of medications and any assistive devices you may require (walkers, canes, etc.)

For more details, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.
Municipal Updates
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.
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: Phone Number:
Directory by Last Name 705-635-2272 press 1
Building and Planning 705-635-2272 press 2
Taxes 705-635-2272 press 3
Corporate Services 705-635-2272 press 4
Accounts Payable and Receivable 705-635-2272 press 5
By-law Enforcement 705-635-2272 press 6
Public Works and Facilities

705-635-2272 press 7

Public Works Direct Line: 705-635-2851
Mayor 705-635-2272 press 8
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 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

 

COVID-19 Testing and Assessment:

 COVID-19 Testing and Assessment Centre in Huntsville

Who Should Be Tested

To prioritize those who are at the greatest risk of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health issued updated provincial testing guidance on December 30, 2021. The new eligibility criteria preserves testing capacity for those at highest risk of contracting COVID-19. Those considered to be at highest risk include:

  • patient-facing healthcare workers;
  • staff, residents, essential care providers, and visitors in hospitals and congregate living settings, including long-term care, retirement homes, First Nation elder care lodges, group homes, shelters, hospices, temporary foreign worker settings, and correctional institutions;
  • people who are from First Nation, Inuit, and Métis communities and individuals travelling into these communities for work;
  • individuals aged 70 years or older who are not fully vaccinated and who are at the highest risk of severe disease;
  • Indigenous people aged 60 years or older at the highest risk of severe disease and/or has additional risk factors;
  • symptomatic dialysis patients;
  • surgical patients instructed to be tested prior to surgery;
  • underhoused or homeless individuals;
  • household members of workers in highest risk setting;
  • pregnant people;
  • first responders including fire, police and paramedics.

Testing for asymptomatic contacts of cases is no longer recommended, except for high-risk contacts/individuals that are part of confirmed or suspected outbreaks in high-risk settings, as recommended by public health. Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 can be presumed to be infected with COVID-19 and should initiate timely self-isolation to prevent transmission in the community and follow these steps.  

Positive rapid antigen tests no longer require PCR confirmation.

Patients who are unwell and feel they require an assessment by a physician but are not eligible for testing as per eligibility requirements may book an appointment with a physician in the Assessment Centre, dependent on the physician’s availability.  Please note, this would be for assessment only and testing/swabbing would not be completed.

Schedule and Location:

The Huntsville COVID-19 assessment centre is currently accepting walk-in patients only. On-line appointment booking is coming soon.

Weekend Hours:

No doctor on site - testing only

  • During weekends from January 8-30, 2022 the centre will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: Active Living Centre at 20 Park Drive (back of the Canada Summit Centre)

You will need to bring:

  1. Health card and drivers licence if you have them
  2. Face mask/covering

Notes and reminders:

  • Washroom facilities are not available
  • Please do not bring other friends or family members, unless they are being tested or you need assistance
  • Keep a 2m distance from others

Test Results:

  • For your test results: covid-19.ontario.ca and click on "check your lab results"
  • Your results may also be available through other laboratory online portals you already subscribe to (e.g. Life Labs, Dynacare)
  • A test result is usually available in 2-10 days online
  • If you have not received your results after 5 days, you may call 1-888-383-7009 and press "2" for Huntsville
COVID-19 MAHC Assessment Centre in Bracebridge

If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, you must go to an Assessment Centre instead of a pharmacy for testing. To get the latest information about if/where you should be tested, visit www.ontario.ca/covidtest
COVID-19 Testing at Ontario Pharmacies

If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, you must go to an Assessment Centre instead of a pharmacy for testing. To get the latest information about if/where you should be tested, visit www.ontario.ca/covidtestTesting at select Ontario pharmacies:

  • By appointment only
  • For individuals not displaying symptoms of COVID-19 but meet the criteria outlined on Ontario.ca/covidtest
  • Visit Ontario.ca/covidtest to find the closest participating pharmacy and to arrange an appointment

Vaccines and Immunization:

 COVID-19 Vaccines

To book a vaccination appointment:

  • Visit Ontario.ca/bookvaccine
  • For phone support call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line: 1-833-943-3900; Hours of Operation - 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday to Sunday

You must have:

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

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 even 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:
COVID-19 Third Doses and Boosters

Third doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are available for eligible individuals. Booking a third dose or booster vaccine can be done through the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit or through the Ontario Provincial Booking Website.

For eligibility details and important information on vaccination, please visit Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to learn more.

Related External Updates:

Mental Health Resources

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

Contact Us