COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRES OPEN IN MUSKOKA
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — With worsening local health news, two restrictive COVID-19 assessment centres will open tomorrow, April 1, in Bracebridge and Huntsville — by appointment only.
No walk-ins will be allowed.
Organizers say patient access is by appointment only from Monday through Friday — and you must have a referral from a health care provider, says a release today from the seven partner providers, including the hospitals, local doctors and the health unit.
The BRACEBRIDGE centre:
Is at the Rotary Centre for Youth at 131 Wellington St.
And in HUNTSVILLE:
At Building B of the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital campus, located on the right hand side of 100 Frank Miller Drive, as you approach the hospital behind the Howland Building.
“It is important to note that, presently, there are a limited number of test kits in Muskoka. Not everyone who comes to the assessment centre will be tested” says Dr. Melanie Mar. “Testing is not available to patients on request, but based on the most up to date guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, and the healthcare professional’s assessment.”
They say if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 you must first seek guidance from your doctor or nurse practitioner as to whether you should attend the centre.
If it is determined you need to attend, your healthcare provider’s office will book an appointment for you.
If you do not have a doctor or nurse practitioner, you can seek guidance from Telehealth Ontario (1-866-767-0000), the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (705-721-7520) or access the Ministry of Health’s Self Assessment Tool.
Following one of those steps, if you have been advised to attend a COVID-19 assessment centre, you can call 1-888-383-7009, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, to book an appointment.
“For the safety of our staff and patients, it is crucial that the process to access an assessment centre is followed” states Dr. Keith Cross, “and that the public continue to monitor and review recommendations from public health and the ministry of health regularly.”
As a reminder to the general public, they say stay home, stay safe.
The centres have been established in partnership with Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, Algonquin Family Health Team, Cottage Country Family Health Team, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, North Muskoka Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, Muskoka Paramedic Services and The District Municipality of Muskoka.
For more information on how COVID-19 is impacting Muskoka, and details regarding access to the Muskoka Assessment Centre locations, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website link here.
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