Important COVID-19 Information - WHO Declares a Global COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global COVID-19 pandemic. This means that this novel coronavirus has spread across the world. When people come together, the risk of infection with COVID-19 increases. For this reason, we are limiting who can come into Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s (MAHC) hospital buildings until further notice. Before coming to the hospital, please continue to check our website or MAHC Facebook and/or Twitter accounts (@MAHCHospitals) for updates.

The following measures are currently in place to contain community transmission of COVID-19:

Visitor limitations have been implemented at MAHC. 

Non-urgent surgeries have been postponed.

Outpatient procedures and clinic visits have been limited. 

In Burk's Falls, at the Almaguin Highlands Health Centre, X-ray services have been temporarily discontinued. Physiotherapy appointments have also been cancelled.

Affected patients will be contacted directly and rebooked as soon as it is safe to do so. 

During times of physical distancing, if you have a bill to pay, please phone the hospital to make your payment, or mail in a cheque. Alternatives to onsite payments are on our website.

If you think you have 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care. Before you come to the hospital, we also encourage you to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.

Muskoka Assessment Centres to open in Huntsville and Bracebridge on April 1, 2020 by appointment only Monday to Friday with a referral from a heatlh care provider. Learn more about the mandatory process for attending an Assessment Centre. Read the news release. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I have an outpatient appointment at the hospital. Is my appointment be cancelled?

Most non-urgent outpatient services are being limited. Patients will be notified directly by the clinical area of any cancellations. If you do not receive a call from MAHC your appointment is not cancelled.

Urgent procedures and appointments will continue. If you have an upcoming MAHC appointment and you are unwell, and especially if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• And/or a travel history to an impacted area

Please do not come to the hospital. Call us to rebook your appointment.

Can I visit someone who is staying in the hospital, or can someone visit me if I’m an inpatient?

Commencing Tuesday, March 17, 2020, visitors will be restricted. Exceptions will be considered for special situations (obstetrical patients) and compassionate circumstances (palliative, critical patients). We may need to further restrict visitors to the hospital in the future if community spread of COVID-19 increases in Ontario. 

What can I expect if have to come to the hospital?

Since March 12, 2020, we have entrance monitors conducting preliminary screening everyone before they enter the hospital. This includes preliminary questions about symptoms and recent travel. There may be line-ups, so please be patient with the screening questions as we take this precautionary measure. We strongly encourage our communities to be social distancing at this time, and to respect visiting restrictions to protect the safety of our patients and staff.

What if I have a symptom when I come to the hospital?

Patients who are symptomatic with respiratory symptoms will be asked to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer. Patients who have travelled will be asked to wear a mask and use hand sanitizer.

If you are a patient coming to the Emergency Dept., you will be assessed by the triage nurse. Our physicians are following public health direction for COVID-19 testing. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has directed that people with mild symptoms who do not meet the testing criteria should isolate at home until 24 hours after symptoms resolve and do not need to go to the Emergency Dept. or an assessment centre for further assessment and testing. If your condition worsens, then contact your health care provider or go to the Emergency Dept. Learn more about public health’s testing requirements.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

In keeping with our visitor limitations commencing March 17, we will only allow a support person to accompany a patient to an appointment for compassionate care, and when assisting a minor or person with a disability. This person will go through the same screening process as you will. Non-essential service cancellations may be implemented in the near future in response to the changing situation. Non-urgent surgeries have been postponed. 

Where can I find more information?

Information about COVID-19 is changing quickly. Before coming to the hospital, please continue to check our website and  MAHC Facebook and/or Twitter accounts (@MAHCHospitals) for updates.

Read more information from Telehealth Ontario

Read more information from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

Read more information from the Ministry of Health

Read more information from the World Health Organization

What is a coronavirus?

A coronavirus typically causes symptoms that are similar to those of the common cold, however, it can also cause more severe illness including pneumonia and death. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus was a type of coronavirus. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain previously not identified in humans. The new coronavirus has now been given the name COVID-19 (previously known as 2019-nCoV or novel coronavirus).

What are the symptoms?

Common signs of infection include fever, and respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and/or breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you think you have COVID-19, before you come to the hospital, please call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, or use this self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care. 

How is a case confirmed?

The only way to confirm this new coronavirus is with a lab test. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms of the virus may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 after exposure.

How can it be prevented?

There is no vaccine to prevent the infection, however everyday preventive actions can help to stop the spread of this coronavirus, in fact, any respiratory virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people, and especially people who are sick
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• Stay home if you are sick

What specifically is MAHC doing?

MAHC has implemented a number of protocols. In addition to continuous surveillance we have:

• Cancelled most non-urgent, scheduled outpatient procedures and clinic appointments until further notice.
• Postponed non-urgent surgeries until further notice.
• Imposed visitor restrictions, effective March 17, 2020.
• Entrance monitors 24/7 at the entrance to the hospital. Their preliminary screening includes questions about flu-like symptoms, like fever, cough and shortness of breath, as well as travel within the past two weeks. Patients with a travel history or those who have had contact with anyone who has travelled and is unwell, will trigger additional screening.
• Enhanced screening measures in the Emergency Department and outpatient clinics.
• Daily internal meetings for capacity planning and preparedness.
• Frequent and regular contact with public health and regional health care partners.

What will happen if a patient with the virus comes to MAHC?

Through our screening process, the patient will be identified, required to put on a mask, placed in isolation, and cared for by a team wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. MAHC will follow the public health guidelines for treatment.  

If you are feeling unwell AND have travelled in the past 14 days or have been in close contact with a person who has travelled and is unwell, you should be assessed by a health-care provider. If at all possible, make sure to call ahead to let them know you're coming to further ensure appropriate precautions ahead of arrival.