March 13, 2020

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WORKING TO AVOID COVID-19 SPREAD

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUKSOKA — Municipal and district governments in Muskoka are hard at work coping and dealing with the current COVID-19 health challenges facing the world and local residents.

All town and district staffs are meeting daily and providing updates on what services are closed or remain open.

See MuskokaTODAY.com for continuing details of the outbreak.

“We are still here to serve you and our staff will be happy to assist you over the phone, said district CEO Michael Duben.

See the district’s special website at https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/Coronavirus.aspx#

All retirement and nursing homes are taking extra precautions and many are screening visitors to see if they have any symptoms.

The Pines Long Term Care Home	98 Pine St. Bracebridge		The Pines LTC is requesting that you do not visit the home at this time unless the visit is absolutely necessary. MANDATORY MEDICAL SCREENING IN PLACE FOR ALL VISITORS.		(705) 645-4488
Muskoka Paramedic Station	225 Taylor Rd. Bracebridge		The District has suspended public access to our paramedic stations at this time to minimize risk to our health care providers and our first responders.

Social Assistance/Ontario Works		TGIF Community Meals Gravenhurst Community Service Hub 141 Main St. Gravenhurst		SUSPENDED FOR 3 WEEKS (expected to resume April 6)	(705) 645-2412 ext. 4654

Other District Services

They are monitoring all district services, such as waste collections and landfill operations, children’s programs and services, seniors programs and services and Ontario Works Programming.

The status of district programs, events and facilities will be updated as they become available.

The district and area municipalities are meeting frequently and working closely with community and health partners to coordinate efforts and plan together to support the community needs should more resources be required, said Duben.

He offered the following responses in a release Friday, March 13.

Precautions and Impacts to Municipal Programs and Services:

Precautions are being taken to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help you and your family stay healthy.

Can I Still Visit Municipal Facilities/Services or Participate in Municipal Programs?

If you are feeling unwell, or anyone you are in close contact with is feeling unwell, please refrain from entering municipal facilities or participating in programs.

Where Can I Find Updates on Municipal Programs and Services?

Check municipal websites for local details.

Additional general help:

Government of Canada dedicated website:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

District of Muskoka dedicated website: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/Coronavirus.aspx#

The U.S. Center for Disease Control

https://www.cdc.gov/