THIS POST HAS BEEN ARCHIVED. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST COVID-19 UPDATES FOR THE HUNTSVILLE AREA.
This information was last updated at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8 and will be updated as further details become available. If you are aware of other information not listed here, please comment below or email us at huntsville@doppleronline.ca.
Click the links in this section to jump to contents below or scroll down to just below this section to see a summary of updates from the past three days:
Local cases
News and community stories
Commentary
Mental health supports (opens in a new page)
Resources
Open for business: support local during COVID-19 (opens in a new page)
Local cancellations, closures, and notices
Most recent updates:
Cases:
- Update to cases in Simcoe Muskoka below. As of July 8, there have been 606 laboratory-confirmed cases in Simcoe Muskoka—30 in Muskoka and 576 in Simcoe County.
News and community:
- What does the health unit’s new mask requirement mean for you?
- Health unit to require masks in indoor public spaces in Simcoe Muskoka starting July 13, 2020
- Town Hall reopens today, July 6
- Library halts reopening phases due to air quality issues
- Muskoka Novel Marathon goes online for 2020 with Quarantine Edition
- Muskoka Hornets return to training, hope for game play later this summer
- Local municipalities receiving extra funding from Province to help with transit cleaning during COVID-19
- Huntsville council rescinds its decision to ban garage sales
Commentary:
Local cases:
There have been nine laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Huntsville. Six contracted the virus either while travelling or as close contacts of cases and are reported as recovered, one was a retirement home resident who had been hospitalized and is now recovered, and two were community-acquired. If you think you have the virus, call ahead before going to the hospital, clinic, or doctors’ office, or call Telehealth (1-866-797-0000) to be screened via phone.
As of July 8, 2020, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has reported 606 laboratory-confirmed cases—576 in Simcoe County and 30 in Muskoka—including 540 recovered cases, three current hospitalizations, and 36 deaths. Of the 30 in Muskoka, nine are in Huntsville (recovered), seven in Gravenhurst (recovered), six in Muskoka Lakes (five recovered, one deceased), two in Lake of Bays (recovered), one in Bracebridge (recovered), and five in Georgian Bay (four recovered and one in hospital). The outbreak at Chartwell Muskoka Traditions, which consisted of just one resident, was declared over on May 17.
Due to the growing number of cases in Simcoe Muskoka, we will no longer include SMDHU’s full table of cases here. You can see a summary by municipality on the SMDHU COVID-19 Case Explorer website.
The epidemic curve below shows the symptom onset dates for all of the cases reported in Simcoe County up to July 8, 2020.
SMDHU reminds people that they can protect themselves in a number of ways:
- Stay home
- Avoid all non-essential trips into your community.
- Practise physical distancing
- Physical distancing means keeping two (2) meters or 6 feet between you and another person.
- Everyone should practise 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.
- Practise 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.
If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms, you should begin to self-monitor for a period of 14 days. This means that, in addition to physical distancing, you should track how you feel. You should take your temperature daily and log any other symptoms that develop (for example, sore throat, new cough or difficulty breathing). You can share these records with your primary care provider over the phone if you seek assessment
SMDHU has more coronavirus information here.
The health unit encourages everyone to take five minutes to participate in Statistics Canada data collection on the Impacts of COVID-19 on Canadians.
News and community stories:
July 8 – What does the health unit’s new mask requirement mean for you?
July 7 – Health unit to require masks in indoor public spaces in Simcoe Muskoka starting July 13, 2020
July 6 – Town Hall reopens today, July 6
July 6 – Library halts reopening phases due to air quality issues
July 4 – Muskoka Novel Marathon goes online for 2020 with Quarantine Edition
July 4 – Muskoka Hornets return to training, hope for game play later this summer
July 2 – Huntsville council rescinds its decision to ban garage sales
June 30 – MAHC no longer needs donations of supplies, thanks community for its support
June 30 – Mandatory mask use “actively under review” by Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
June 30 – COVID-19 update from Mayor Karin Terziano | Video
June 30 – Stay at Home Gala raises more than $48,000 for local charities
June 29 – MPP Norm Miller advocates for tourism businesses impacted by COVID-19 in Ontario Legislature
June 27 – Ontario extends emergency orders to July 10
June 24 – Stisted Fall Fair cancelled for 2020
June 23 – Municipal Canada Day celebrations and fireworks cancelled
June 19 –Two new COVID-19 cases in Muskoka as Simcoe Muskoka reports highest daily case count yet
June 18 – Want to know if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 in public? There will soon be an app for that.
June 18 – Province enhancing COVID-19 case and contact management
June 17 – Main Street now has directional arrows to encourage physical distancing
June 16 – Huntsville logs ninth case of COVID-19
June 15 – Businesses invited to join free information session on operating safely during COVID-19 pandemic
June 15 – Parry Sound-Muskoka to receive $350,000 in tourism support
June 14 – MAHC gradually resuming elective surgeries
June 14 – Weddings and funeral ceremonies can now have more attendees, but receptions still limited to 10
June 12 – Ontario Lacrosse Association cancels 2020 box lacrosse season
June 12 – Ontarians can now expand close contacts to up to 10 within an exclusive ‘social circle’
June 11 – Province to allow one visitor per resident at long-term care homes starting June 18
June 8 – Eighth laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 reported in Huntsville
June 8 – Muskoka among regions moving to Stage 2 reopening on June 12
June 6 – With hope for what a different future will bring, Ahmisa Yoga closes studio, moves to online classes
June 4 – Tawingo College community reacts with sadness to news of school’s closing
June 4 – Province allows short-term rentals to resume operations starting June 5
June 4 – Payment-deferred, interest-deferred loans now available to small businesses through Muskoka Futures
June 3 – Regional reopening would need to be approached with caution: SMDHU medical officer of health
June 2 – Businesses: need PPE? The Chamber wants to hear from you
June 1 – Quarantunes, Black Whole online concerts supported local charities
June 1 – Fall fair cancelled for 2020
May 30 – Hand sanitizers and directional lines coming to Huntsville’s main street: Mayor
May 29 – Muskoka’s COVID-19 assessment centres now testing at-risk asymptomatic people
May 28 – Local instructors want you to make a square for a COVID-19 isolation quilt
May 27 – Province further extends emergency orders
May 26 – Kaitlyn’s Run raises almost $2,000 for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation
May 23 – Random acts of kindness for frontline workers
May 21 – Town reopens some outdoor amenities following Province’s easing of restrictions
May 21 – Muskoka Traditions COVID-19 case not a false positive
May 21 – District Council approves $750,000 loan to Muskoka Futures to help small businesses
May 21 – COVID-19 Q&A with Dr. Roy Kirkpatrick: Wearing masks
May 19 – COVID-19 outbreak at Chartwell Muskoka Traditions declared over
May 19 – Province extends emergency order, permits opening of some outdoor amenities
May 19 – HHS student 3D printing earsavers for frontline mask wearers
May 16 – Kiwanis food drive collects 5,225 lbs and $5,600 for Salvation Army Food Bank
May 15 – If you have even one of these COVID-19 symptoms, seek assessment and testing
May 15 – Municipal beaches, playgrounds and sports fields remain closed
May 13 – The latest update from Mayor Karin Terziano
May 13 – Council debates economic aid, sets aside $500,000 and creates advisory group
May 13 – Local songwriter, Sonja Garlick, pens coronavirus-inspired song
May 12 – Huntsville Soccer Club cancels 2020 outdoor house league
May 12 – Kiwanis holding food bank drive at local grocery stores May 13-14
May 11 – How to sort COVID-19 fact from fiction
May 11 – “Now is not the time for divisive attitudes”: Muskoka’s mayors
May 10 – Arrowhead to open for limited day use on May 15
May 8 – Kindness, one box of Girl Guide cookies at a time
May 7 – Andrea Gillespie urges PM to give a national commencement address for this year’s graduates
May 6 – Province extends electricity rate relief until May 31
May 5 – Huntsville records first case of COVID-19 in a retirement home
May 4 – Dr. Gardner encourages people to get tested if they have any symptoms of COVID-19
May 4 – Medical officer of health maintains it’s still best for people to remain at their primary residences
May 1 – Should you be tested for COVID-19? An update from the Muskoka Assessment Centres
May 1 – Spreading messages of hope on Britannia Road
May 1 – Province provides safety guidelines for businesses
April 30 – Combatting COVID-19 loneliness, one card at a time
April 30 – Council tackles topics of garage sales, boat ramps and Ironman
April 29 – Council takes a wage cut to the end of the year
April 27 – One new COVID-19 case reported for Huntsville, bringing the total to six
April 27 – Provincial parks to remain closed until May 31
April 27 – Huntsville Arts Society moves members’ show online
April 26 – Mental health supports in Muskoka
April 25 – Community gardens now deemed essential
April 25 – Saying goodbye to a loved one during COVID-19
April 24 – Baysville Lions Club has created 500 masks for their community
April 24 – Stay At Home Gala to support hospital foundations, women’s shelters and food security
April 22 – Province takes further steps to protect residents and workers in long-term care homes
April 22 – Project update: face shields are now in production and available for free to frontline workers
April 20 – Health experts say COVID-19 has likely peaked in Ontario but physical distancing remains critical
April 20 – The Huntsville community rocks! Encouraging messages being left all over town
April 19 – This is Huntsville: Do Cool Things with James Hunt and Ralph | Video
April 18 – First area business forum held online April 16 with more to follow across the region
April 18 – Huntsville Public Library ramps up online services during COVID-19
April 17 – Psychologists at Brainworks hosting free webinars to help you cope through this pandemic
April 17 – Finding work still possible during COVID-19 restrictions
April 16 – Protect yourself from COVID-19 related scams: OPP
April 15 – Huntsville Festival of the Arts launches online programs and concerts
April 15 – TriMuskoka donates $4,000 to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation
April 14 – Local seniors unhappy with OPP officer’s close contact; some closeness may be necessary say OPP
April 13 – Wondering when and how to wear a homemade face mask?
April 12 – Town of Huntsville providing support to local food banks
April 12 – District and municipalities working together to connect residents to supports during COVID-19
April 11 – Province strengthening victim services support during COVID-19 outbreak
April 11, 2020 – Health unit reports first COVID-19 death in Muskoka, as well as first laboratory-confirmed case in Lake of Bays
April 10, 2020 – Dr. Kirkpatrick shares tip sheet with practical advice for those thinking of leaving their primary residence
April 10, 2020 – Province significantly expanding COVID-19 testing
April 10, 2020 – Choir! Choir! Choir! sing-a-thon on April 11 to raise funds for Canadian Cancer Society
April 9, 2020 – Refusing to open cottages the right thing to do: Peter Briggs
April 9, 2020 – $10,000 granted to Muskoka’s food banks
April 9, 2020 – Volunteers with sewing skills needed to create face masks for essential workers, other community members
April 9, 2020 – This virus can have devastating impacts on long-term care facilities’: Dr. Charles Gardner
April 9, 2020 – Miller encourages people to stay home this Easter weekend, reminds residents to continue to isolate
April 8, 2020 – Don’t let low Huntsville numbers fool you, assume COVID-19 is everywhere: Dr. Charles Gardner
April 8, 2020 – Healthcare workers are there for you, stay at home for them: MAHC CEO
April 7, 2020 – Street sweeping, King William construction, downtown flowers among services to continue this year
April 7, 2020 – Local restaurants provide meals for frontline workers
April 7, 2020 – Concerns councillors hearing include people congregating, an influx of seasonal residents, and the financial impact of COVID-19
April 6, 2020 – A waste collection update from the District of Muskoka
April 5, 2020 – Local initiative creating face shields for PSWs, long-term care workers, essential business staff
April 3, 2020 – Premier Ford announces further restrictions in business activity in fight against COVID-19
April 3, 2020 – Town reminds residents that all playgrounds, fields, and parks are closed under a provincial order
April 2, 2020 – Huntsville’s laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 rises to four, with eight now in Muskoka
April 2, 2020 – “We cannot be complacent”: SMDHU medical officer of health
April 1, 2020 – Rural internet users frustrated with high overage charges during COVID-19 restrictions
March 31, 2020 – Real estate brokers in Muskoka adjust protocols to keep buyers, sellers and realtors safe
March 31, 2020 – Council struggles to find savings amidst coronavirus pandemic, and not knowing how long it will last
March 31, 2020 – COVID-19 assessment centres now open in Muskoka
March 31, 2020 – Province extends school closures until at least May 4
March 30, 2020 – Province orders playgrounds and other outdoor recreational areas closed
March 30, 2020 – ‘Stay home except for essential reasons’: Ontario’s chief medical officer of health
March 30, 2020 – Muskoka has six laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19, three of them in Huntsville
March 29, 2020 – Local student organizes socially distant food drive for The Table as COVID-19 service project
March 29, 2020 – This is Huntsville: Messages from the community for the community | Video
March 28, 2020 – Ontario prohibits gatherings of more than five people
March 28, 2020 – MBRP builds safety shields for free to help protect frontline workers
March 28, 2020 – Signs placed by anonymous residents thank hospital staff, grocery workers | Video
March 28, 2020 – Cameron of Lochiel helping to ease neighbours’ isolation with solo music outside their homes
March 27, 2020 – Aitchison urges everyone to do their part: “Unfortunately it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better”
March 27, 2020 – Seniors, and others, finding support through the kindness of community members
March 26, 2020 – First laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in Huntsville is travel-related
March 26, 2020 – MAHC working to increase capacity for critical cases: CEO
March 26, 2020 – MAHC puts out call for donations of supplies to support COVID-19 preparedness
March 26, 2020 – Faith Baptist offering community support
March 25, 2020 – Health unit reports its first laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in Muskoka
March 25, 2020 – Local businesses coming to terms with the harsh realities of COVID-19
March 24, 2020 – Deerhurst Resort donates thousands of masks, gloves and disposable thermometers to local hospital
March 24, 2020 – Health unit update: snowbirds, how the virus is spread, testing, mental health
March 24, 2020 – Town of Huntsville adjusts transit service for COVID-19
March 24, 2020 – District implements waste collection changes to help protect workers during COVID-19
March 24, 2020 – Province releases list of essential businesses, with all other workplaces ordered to close as of midnight tonight
March 23, 2020 – Province orders mandatory closure of all non-essential businesses
March 23, 2020 – With its tenth case reported, health unit stresses critical need for social distancing, other measures
March 23, 2020 – MAHC limits most outpatient services and programs
March 23, 2020 – Muskoka awaits approval for two coronavirus assessment centres
March 23, 2020 – Town of Huntsville thanks local businesses for their efforts during COVID-19
March 22, 2020 – Tour bus company says they did not bring busloads of people to Huntsville to shop
March 22, 2020 – Local couple spreads joy for their community’s kids
March 22, 2020 – Coping with COVID-19: Revel in the commonplace
March 21, 2020 – Health unit reports second COVID-19 related death, one new case via community transmission, none in Muskoka yet
March 21, 2020 – No break on Huntsville property tax deadline, at least not yet
March 21, 2020 – A look inside an Italian hospital: why isolation and social distancing are so important
March 20, 2020 – Town issues parks and open spaces warning related to COVID-19
March 20, 2020 – Remember the food banks: COVID-19 containment measures hit the most vulnerable the hardest
March 19, 2020 – Huntsville Mayor Karin Terziano thanks health care professionals and asks Huntsville residents to take COVID-19 seriously
March 19, 2020 – Open for business: support local during COVID-19
March 19, 2020 – Questions and answers about testing for COVID-19 in Muskoka
March 19, 2020 – What is social distancing? | Infographic
March 18, 2020 – Coping with COVID-19: What will you choose? (image)
March 18, 2020 – As local small businesses and workers grapple with COVID-19 uncertainty, Feds announce measures to help those impacted
March 18, 2020 – Coping with COVID-19: Help create a colourful (and virtual) community canvas
March 17, 2020 – Why COVID-19 testing is being prioritized and containment is critical: SMDHU’s medical officer of health
March 17, 2020 – Bullocks’ Independent to open an hour earlier to help seniors, immune-compromised people shop
March 17, 2020 – Ontario declares state of emergency
March 17, 2020 – Town Hall, District office and community hubs to close until April 6
March 17, 2020 – Coping with COVID-19: Remember the beauty that surrounds us
March 16, 2020 – Enhanced public health measures: chief medical officer’s guidance to Ontarians on COVID-19
March 16, 2020 – Ministry of Health recommends restaurants close or switch delivery method
March 16, 2020 – Town of Huntsville considering a business continuity plan to service the public remotely: Mayor
March 16, 2020 – MAHC restricting non-essential visitors to both area hospitals beginning March 17
March 16, 2020 – Local mediator creates Facebook group to help people connect for support and supplies
March 15, 2020 – Town of Huntsville to close most facilities until April 5, 2020
March 13, 2020 – Acting CEO for MAHC hoping test centres for new coronavirus will open as early as next week
March 13, 2020 – Town of Huntsville postpones programs and events as precaution during COVID-19
March 12, 2020 – Province implementing enhanced measures to protect Ontarians from COVID-19
March 12, 2020 – Province orders schools closed for two weeks following March break
Commentary:
July 8 – Innovation and creativity alive and well in PSM during COVID-19: MP Scott Aitchison
June 17 – Shop local, eat local, play local, and vacation local this summer: MPP Norm Miller
June 11 – The world post-pandemic ~ Ross Maund and Dave Wilkin
June 10 – Mental health support is available, ask for help: MP Scott Aitchison
May 24 – Listen Up! Let’s not blow it now ~ Hugh Mackenzie
May 20 – Thank you for your sacrifices: MPP Norm Miller
May 19 – Top ten learnings (thus far) from the COVID-19 pandemic ~ Dave Wilkin and Ross Maund
May 17 – Listen Up! Reflections on COVID-19 ~ Hugh Mackenzie
May 14 – Let’s not forget our children ~ Mary Spring
May 13 – Stay the course and just be kind: MP Scott Aitchison
May 13 – Letter: ‘Premier Ford, please make mask use mandatory’ ~ Dale Peacock
May 10 – Listen Up! A Conservative’s view on basic guaranteed income ~ Hugh Mackenzie
May 7 – She Speaks: Universal basic awakening ~ Kathleen May
May 6 – Factors affecting the impact of COVID-19 ~ Hugh Holland
May 3 – Listen Up! Caution, courtesy and common sense ~ Hugh Mackenzie
April 30 – Education in unprecedented times ~ Mary Spring
April 29 – What will be the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic? ~ Ross Maund and Dave Wilkin
April 26 – Listen Up! Strong political leadership is important ~ Hugh Mackenzie
April 25 – The COVID-19 response: Canada vs. the United States ~ Don McCormick
April 22 – My first 100 days as Mayor—typical or unusual? ~ Mayor Karin Terziano
April 21 – ‘This is our defining moment’: HHS student Spencer Haney
April 20 – ‘We’ve got your back’: Minister of Economic Development, Mélanie Joly | Commentary
April 19 – Listen Up! Democracy must not be a victim of COVID-19 ~ Hugh Mackenzie
April 15 – Support local, stay home, and remember we should all be working together: MPP Norm Miller
April 13 – COVID-19 and climate change: a good time to reflect ~ Hugh Holland
April 8 – Imagine a stronger, healthier, more resilient Canada: MP Scott Aitchison
April 7 – It is essential that businesses in small towns survive COVID-19 ~ Mary Spring
April 6 – A lesson from the pandemic ~ Don McCormick
March 29 – Listen Up! We can disagree and still work together ~ Hugh Mackenzie
March 21 – Listen Up! COVID-19 and Canada’s golden hour: a guest post by pharmacist Bill Coon
March 20 – Coping with COVID-19: Remember these three things
March 19 – Coronavirus Q&As: Answers to seven questions your kids may have about the pandemic
March 15 – Listen Up! Stay calm and carry on ~ Hugh Mackenzie
March 13 – She Speaks: We can only do this one way—together ~ Kathleen May
COVID-19 Resources:
Ontario Ministry of Health – updated daily at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m
Telehealth Ontario ( 1-866-797-0000) – if you think you have COVID-19, call to be screened before you go to the hospital. You can also use the Province’s online self-assessment tool.
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Lakeview Physicians COVID-19 information
Huntsville Community Help Out Group on Facebook – if you need support or supplies or have them to offer
Huntsville & Area Strong – Together we Stand Community COVID-19 Help Group on Facebook – if you need support or supplies or have them to offer
Lake of Bays COVID-19 Help Group on Facebook
Information on Employment Insurance
Business Development Bank of Canada: Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19
Huntsville Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce information and updates for businesses
Learn at home resources for Ontario students
Stop the Spread business line – The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Local cancellations and notices:
Active Living Centre: Closed until further notice.
Algonquin Theatre: The theatre, box office, and Partners Hall are closed until further notice and shows are being cancelled, postponed or rescheduled. Visit algonquintheatre.ca for details.
Arrowhead Provincial Park: Open for day use. Most facilities are closed. No overnight camping.
Band on the Run: The road race planned for June 13 has been postponed until Sept. 12, 2020. There will be a free virtual race on June 13.
Businesses: Effective Tuesday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m., the Province of Ontario has ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces. We will continue to regularly update this list of open businesses.
Canada Summit Centre: Closed until further notice.
Canadian Cancer Society: Annual daffodil campaign activities have been postponed to June or later.
Churches: All gatherings, including services, have been cancelled.
Climate strikes: Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) is encouraging everyone to be creative for its weekly Fridays For Future Climate Strikes (#FFF) on Fridays, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm – until further notice. Post a picture of yourself with a climate action message on their Facebook Page or hold a pop-up climate strike at your home. Go for a walk with a climate sign. Put a climate action message in your car window. Go to the regular strike location, being sure to maintain social distancing.
Daycares: On March 17, 2020, the Ontario Government declared a state of emergency which requires all licensed child care centres to close. It has since established limited daycare options for children of frontline workers.
Dentists: Based on a recommendation from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, most offices are offering only emergency services. Check with your dentist’s office for details.
District of Muskoka: Effective March 17, all District facilities will be closed to public access including the District office at 70 Pine St. in Bracebridge and the Community Services Hubs in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville. Essential services including paramedic services, long-term care, water and wastewater, waste management and road operations will continue to operate as usual. Social housing facilities will continue to be maintained and other housing supports, social assistance and emergency assistance programs will also continue to be provided by phone, online or by email. You can access information and services by calling 705-645-2100 or by email. For the latest updates on all District program and service impacts, and to learn more about the actions taken in response to COVID-19, visit www.muskoka.on.ca/
Doctors’ offices and nurse practitioner clinics:
- The Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Clinic at the Wellness Hub will remain open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. during the Canada Summit Centre closure. Patients must call 705-789-5986 for access to the building and to make an appointment. Access will be via the Canada Summit Centre entrance closest to Oliver’s Café. Anyone who is COVID-19 symptomatic must call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
- The Cottage Country Family Health Team will continue to operate at the Port Sydney Fire Hall.
- Huntsville Professional Building physicians shared the following statement: “In order to keep our patients and staff as safe as we can, we are asking that all persons with a fever, with or without travel, phone their doctor’s office for screening prior to arriving at the building. This includes anyone coming for the pharmacy, lab, dentist or any of our specialists. If you arrive at the building with a fever without prior physician screening you will be asked to contact your physician for further instructions. Those arriving with fever and prior screening will be asked to use hand sanitizer and put on a mask upon entering the building. As we learn more this criteria may expand to involve other symptoms such as cough. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in keeping our community healthy.”
- Lakeview Physicians: visit their COVID-19 page for information about appointments
Enliven Centre for Self-Care in Cancer: office is closed and programs are suspended until further notice. They are responding to all calls, emails and social media outreach and will attempt to assist in any way they can.
Hospice Huntsville: The Purple Tea Party and Hike for Hospice have been postponed. The annual Purple Boot Campaign has gone virtual.
Hospital: Huntsville District Memorial Hospital is restricting non-essential visits effective March 18, 2020. Exceptions for visiting include special situations (obstetrical patients) and compassionate circumstances (palliative, critical patients). Elective surgeries have been postponed. All visitors are being screened at the door for COVID-19, and hospital staff ask anyone who thinks they have the virus to—before going to the hospital—call Telehealth to be screened by phone (1-866-797-0000).
Huntsville Fall Fair: Cancelled for 2020. Next year’s event is planned for Sept. 24-26, 2021.
Huntsville Festival of the Arts: Programs and events are being cancelled or postponed based on provincial guidelines. Some shows are available online.
Huntsville Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: has been postponed from May 9 to October 3 at the Active Living Centre.
Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce: Tourism office is closed. The Muskoka Maple Festival, which was scheduled for April 25, has been postponed.
Huntsville Suzuki School: Indian dinner fundraiser scheduled for Apr. 4 has been postponed to Sept. 26, 2020.
Huntsville Transit: Effective March 24, 2020, regular and specialized riding hours are 8-4. Only six riders will be permitted per bus at any time. Riders will not be required to pay fares or swipe their transit pass until end of April.
Lakeland Power: The company said in a media release that it “understands wages and business revenues may be negatively affected so for financial assistance customers are asked to visit the company website to learn more about the Ontario Electricity Support Program, the Low-Income Emergency Assistance Program, the Home Assistance Program, the Affordability Fund, budget billing, and installment plans. “No customer experiencing financial hardship during this difficult time will be disconnected so they can concentrate on the safety of their family and business,” said CEO Chris Litschko. Lakeland has closed their offices to the public for customer and staff protection. Anyone experiencing hardship can call 705-789-5442 or 1-888-282-7711, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Libraries:
- All Huntsville Public Library programs have been suspended until further notice.
- All programs at the Lake of Bays Libraries in Dwight and Baysville have been cancelled until further notice and both branches are closed to the public, but curbside pick-up is available.
Lions Lookout: Closed until further notice.
Long-term care homes: All non-essential visits to long-term care homes have been suspended by the chief medical officer of Ontario.
Midnight Madness: Cancelled for 2020
MP Scott Aitchison: MP Aitchison is back in Parry Sound-Muskoka for five weeks after the Parliamentary session was suspended on Friday to prevent further spread of COVID-19. “The safety of all Canadians is of the upmost importance,” he said via a media release. “While the risk to Canadians according to the Public Health Agency of Canada is still low, it is critical that we follow all recommendations for hand washing, avoiding crowded spaces, and self-isolation for 14 days if unwell or returning from international travel.” Constituents can contact his Parry Sound or Huntsville offices for assistance with casework or to speak to him. The offices will continue to assist with all Federal issues virtually or over the phone. “There is still much to do, we are open for service but cannot accommodate walk-ins at this time.” As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve precautions will be assessed daily for the safety of constituents and staff.
Muskoka Aquatic Club: Programming is suspended for the timebeing. All Swim Ontario and Swim Canada competitions have been cancelled or postponed.
Muskoka Seniors: Effective March 19, the office is closed and all programs are suspended until further notice.
Parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and outdoor equipment:
- The following municipal outdoor recreational amenities will be reopened:
- Tennis, pickleball, basketball, and volleyball courts (Huntsville and Port Sydney);
- Skateboard parks (McCulley Robertson Recreation Park);
- Frisbee golf (McCulley Robertson Recreation Park);
- Off-leash dog areas and parks (McCulley Robertson Recreation Park)’;
- Benches, picnic tables and chairs will be re-installed as outdoor spaces are reopened (Huntsville and Port Sydney);
- Municipal beaches; and
- Walking track at Conroy Park (team sports are still restricted).
- The following areas will remain closed until further notice:
- Sports fields (soccer and baseball diamonds) at McCulley Robertson Recreation Park;
- All Town outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment; and
- Use of facilities for organized sporting activities.
Provincial court: All Provincial Offences Act matters will be adjourned and rescheduled to a later date in accordance with provincial restrictions. Further details here.
Schools: All publicly funded schools in Ontario are closed. Trillium Lakelands District School Board has information on how it is addressing COVID-19 here. On March 17, 2020, the Ontario Government declared a state of emergency which requires all private schools as defined in the Education Act to close as well.
Summer Sidewalk Sale: Cancelled for 2020.
Town of Huntsville:
- Town programs and events have been postponed or cancelled until further notice.
- Town Hall is closed. Town services will continue to be offered online through municipal email addresses or at huntsville.ca and over the phone where possible.
- Municipal facilities are closed including all community halls, Canada Summit Centre, Active Living Centre, Algonquin Theatre box office, Huntsville Public Library, Club 55, and Muskoka Heritage Place.
- Madill Yard and fire halls will continue to operate with no access to the public.
- Council meetings are taking place electronically.
- The Town is posting COVID-19 updates at huntsville.ca/covid19.
Township of Lake of Bays: The Lake of Bays Community Centre in Baysville, the Dwight Community Centre, Baysville Arena, and Senior Centres will be closed to the public effective Monday, March 16 and all programs and services are cancelled until further notice. Public Works facilities and fire halls will be restricted access only. The municipal office is open during regular office hours.
TriMuskokan triathlon postponed until 2021. Organizers may host a virtual event on June 28.
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Monica Larade, RMT says
I am a self-employed small business owner as a Registered Massage Therapist. I have closed my practice to keep my clients and my community safe. So, there are businesses closing. I want to see our medical practitioners supported so that they can properly care for those in need. I want to see the “curve flattened”, i.e. the rate of infection slowed. This is a fast acting and virulent virus. We need to act fast and take this seriously. Good luck to everyone in making these decisions and also to those choosing to self-quarantine if you have been abroad.
Dave Wilkin says
So incredibly thoughtful Monica. Thank you from a senior and one helping to care for 2 who are highly vulnerable.
Henk Rietveld says
Folks, I sure hope that we are doing everything we can to slow this thing down. It’s among us, like it or not. If you have ANY suggestion that you might have been exposed…international travel especially, for God’s sake, self quarantine for a couple of weeks…try to keep the rest of us safe.
As for the rest of us…one metre distance, don’t touch, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, and WASH YOUR HANDS!!! Learn to sing Happy Birthday…twice.
Just sayin’
Ralph Cliffe says
Dave you are so right! I am in the same position you are.
I can only hope that our drug stores had enough foresight
to stock extra perscription medications incase there is a break in the supply chain.
We will survive.
wendy J brown says
I personally believe that we should close our borders to the US, people are still stupid and say oh im going to florida . Do they not realize thats international travel.
Michael O'Mara says
St. Mary’s Church Tuesday Hot Lunch is cancelled for at least the next two weeks. March 13th -20th.
Ralph Cliff says
I had my nephew and his wife (a school teacher) and two young kids
leave for florida on friday.
You have to wonder if some people are completely brainless?
Its their life. Hope they bring nothing back with them. If they will
still be able to cross at niagara falls on return?
Erin Jones says
They could face “a world of hurt” when they try to come back into Canada. The Canadian government has discouraged all Canadians from traveling outside of Canada during this emergency. There is always the possibility (however remote) that Canada will close its borders and/or force returning Canadians to quarantine for a couple of weeks. Mexico is already threatening to closing its border with the U.S. since Mexico is currently less impacted by the virus than is the U.S. Hopefully, it is because the heat and humidity of Mexico is discouraging the spread of the virus as it does many viruses. If that is the case, the heat and humidity of summer will be very welcome this year.
Jason Génier says
A BCP should have been created back on March 1st.. Business Continuity Plans are very important in cases like these to make sure that your town is safe and further informed on how they should proceed with their jobs and daily lives.
Michael O'Mara says
march17th-march24th luncheons at St.Mary’s Church cancelled
Stehr, Tom says
SUGARBUSH HILL MAPLE FARM HAS CANCELLED THE FOLLOWING EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
All maple tours for March and April.
Maple Weekend April 4th and 5th, 2020
Maple sales at maple shop only please
Wendy McRae says
Who is getting groceries for the travellers who are coming home to empty fridges? Yes some have friends and family who can do the grocery shopping for them but not all have this luxury. Is it possible to create a system to get responsible twenty something year olds to help get the groceries, prescriptions, etc… delivered to these travellers who are self isolating. We want travellers to NOT make that trip to the grocery store BEFORE they self isolate. Something to think about.
Al Collins says
Not that simple. A lot of travellers returning home are those boomers who take the risk seriously and have gone to great lengths to protect themselves. The millennials, many at least, are the ones who’ve been out partying and socializing in recent weeks with little regard for the risks. The virus can live for days on many types of packaging. Who do you want handling your food before you do?
Debbie Knobelsdorf says
Could I please add Westside Fish and Chips to your restaurant list?? We are open 11-7 for take out and we are being very diligent with cleaning. Our staff is not sick, they want to work as much as we can provide for them.
Ruth Huxtable says
Thank you for including specific updates on “local” cases in Simcoe Muskoka as it’s a huge geographical area.
Waldi Frankiewicz says
For those who are deluding themselves that there will finally be some way to destroy this deadly Coroner is comforting information. Will this be a breakthrough in the treatment of coronavirus in Poland and worldwide? As it turns out, a positive decision has been issued on a change to the marketing authorisation for a product containing chloroquine (Chloroquini phosphas). The drug may be administered to patients diagnosed with mild to severe viral pneumonia and will be available for patients with pneumonia who require hospital treatment. The producer of the drug is a Polish company Adamed Pharma. So far, the drug has been used in the treatment of malaria and rheumatoid arthritis. The decision was made to add a new therapeutic indication: “Supportive treatment of beta-type coronavirus infections such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2”. The rationale is based on the analysis of data from previously published clinical data. Adamed Pharma has already informed that it will secure a stockpile of the product for Polish patients, according to the needs of the Ministry of Health and Material Reserves Agency. The descriptive letter from Chinese authors states that the information provided by the Chinese State Council stated that “Chloroquine phosphate… has shown significant efficacy and acceptable safety in the treatment of COVID-19-related pneumonia in multicenter clinical trials in China”. Another guidance document of the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (Lombardy section) recommends the use of 500 mg × 2/die or 200 mg of hydroxychloroquine for 10 days, although treatment of COVID-19 may vary from 5 to 20 days depending on clinical severity. The suggested target population ranged from patients with mild respiratory symptoms and coexisting diseases to patients with severe respiratory failure. The WHO has been arguing that there will be a shortage of this drug for malaria patients. The Polish government is introducing the drug despite the WHO’s prohibitions. China has done the same. It was this drug that brought SARS and other coronaries to their knees. The drug, which is 75 years old, is still useful.
Michael O'Mara says
Luncheons at St. Mary’s church now cancelled until further notice.
Susan Gammage says
We appreciate all you do for us! Thank you and keep safe!
Dave Wilkin says
Good comment Waldi.
The WHO’s leadership has been badly discredited in their mishandling of this pandemic. They hid China’s lies and delayed calling it a pandemic for far too long. The world is paying the price now.
Paul Whillans says
Mr Wilkins you obviously watch too much Fox News.
Your allegation misses the facts that until December 20th: a) there was no diagnosis of Covid 19 and b) there was no test.
It is thought that in late November 2019, a 55 year old man in Wuhan was Patient Zero; that the actual infected number grew by about 5 a day until on December 20th when the virology had been established there existed 60 cases in Wuhan and testing began. On December 30, 2019, the new epidemic was announced with established virology and testing protocols.
It is absolute dumb speculation to suggest that without the virology established, that China and the WHO were “hiding” anything. “Covid 19” did not in fact exist. Initially is was thought that it was return of SARS, which we know is a much less dangerous flu.
What is more stunning is how little testing was done in the US or Canada after December 30, 2019 when both the testing and virology had been established.
Your argument is simply a distraction from the true travesty. Even 3 months later, US and Canada is testing and tracing far too few people to effectively contain the virus
Dave Wilkin says
This is not Fox making things up, as you say. The truth is out there, for those reporting willing to look. Many have confirmed what actually happened. You should stop supporting what was clearly a China cover up and propaganda campaign, something they are so noted for, with a complicit WHO for far too long.
Dave Wilkin says
Paul, please see these recent media reports, clearly pointing to China lies, that likely continues to this day. None of them are politically right leaning media, so your Fox News lying claim is just wrong.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theatlantic.com/amp/article/608332/
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/02/asia/china-coronavirus-numbers-trust-intl-hnk/index.html
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/03/china-steps-up-western-media-campaign-over-coronavirus-crisis
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/world/asia/coronavirus-china-grief-deaths.amp.html
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-01/china-concealed-extent-of-virus-outbreak-u-s-intelligence-says
As for the WHO, look at this CNN excellent time line summary:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/06/health/wuhan-coronavirus-timeline-fast-facts/index.html
They finally declared it a global pandemic on March 11, far too late to halt the global spread. By then it had already spread to dozens of countries, with confirmed cases of over 126,000, & 4600 deaths. Actual infections certainly many time higher. What a complete failure of leadership.
When this virus is finally brought under control, a complete rethink of many things, including the WHO’s role it in, will take place in many countries, including Canada.
Daryl McLaughlin says
I just want to thank all the people that are still working in the grocery stores and all the other stores and services. I know that you are putting your health on the line for the rest of us. And for those of you that are complaining about staff not wearing masks, shop someplace else.
Hans Marschdorf says
When looking at the stats one might think we are on the safe side in Muskoka. However, the stats are not based on where cases were diagnosed, but where the infected individual has their primary place of residence. A cottager from Toronto might get diagnosed here, but counted in Toronto. On simcoemuskokahealthstats.org it says specifically: „Cases are assigned to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit based on the residential address of the patient, not the location of the hospital the patient was seen at.“
Don’t let your guards down, wear face masks at least in enclosed environments like stores or offices and keep your distance. Don‘t complain about others not wearing face masks – wear them yourself and set an example. The virus can be spread via bioaerosols, i.e. by breathing. No sneezing or coughing required. If we all make an effort not to spread the virus we will all be safer from getting it.
Tim GREEN says
When is the District of Muskoka going to fill in the huge potholes in front of the mailboxes on Brunel Rd by Riverside Public School? I have phoned both the District and the Post Office several times but to no avail.
RayWard says
A huge thank you to Doppler, it’s staff and contributors for the excellent coverage of the Covid19 virus and its impact on our communities. The coverage is a “must read” for us each day.
Keep safe and well by protecting each other.