COVID-19

At Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC), the safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our top priority with measures in place to protect our patient and team members.  Learn more about COVID-19 from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit or the Ministry of Health.

Seasonal Respiratory Illness

It is that time of year where we begin to see rising numbers of common colds, with COVID-19, seasonal influenza cases and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in our community.

To reduce the risk of becoming ill and protect those closest to us, it is important that everyone uses multiple layers of protection. This is especially important for those who are at higher risk of severe illness, specifically children under five years of age as well as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.

If you have symptoms of any respiratory illness:

• Stay home until you are fever-free (without using fever-reducing medication AND your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours.
• If you can’t stay home: wear a well-fitting mask and avoid non-essential mask-less activities for 10 days from when symptoms started.
• Don’t visit those at high-risk of severe illness including those in long-term care, retirement homes or in our hospital sites.

Masking is mandatory in patient care areas

Patients and visitors are to wear a mask while receiving care, and in high-risk areas such as all inpatient units, Emergency Department, waiting areas and outpatient services. MAHC team members are wearing masks when interacting directly with patients.

Please put on a mask from the supply provided and wear it properly covering your nose and mouth.

What to expect when attending the hospital

When you come to either site, you are expected to:

1. Self-screen for symptoms of infection including cough, fever (37.8° or greater) and/or chills, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, sore throat, decrease or loss of sense of taste and/or smell, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, headaches, unexplained fatigue or muscle aches, new rash
2. Clean your hands often with sanitizer to reduce the risk of infection;
3. Wear a hospital-provided mask in patient care areas, including waiting areas.

Visiting Information

Subject to outbreak protocols as implemented from time to time, admitted inpatients may have two (2) visitors per day during visiting hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. who adhere to visiting requirements, including wearing a mask while in a patient's room.  When visiting an inpatient, follow the additional precautions signage (if posted) outside of the patient’s room for any personal protection equipment requirements, such as a gown, and/or gloves.

COVID-19 Testing

The COVID Assessment Centre in Bracebridge has closed. Those requiring a PCR test may book one at a COVID-19 testing location.