Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — As Ontario declares a state of emergency today, local municipal governments are also ramping up their responses to COVID-19. Tuesday, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst closed town halls to the public. Essential services will continue to be delivered to the community including Fire and Emergency and road operations. Additionally, staff will […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott confirmed today that a 77-year-old Muskoka man is the first person with COVID-19 to die in the province. Elliott said the man had the coronavirus, but she said they are not sure whether he orginated it or he later came in contact with someone […]
GRAVENHURST — With self-isolation and innumerable businesses, organizations and groups cancelling out or closing for who knows how long — and March Break plans out the window — climate change advocates and those who still have to drive are heaving a sigh of relief as gas prices tumble. In Gravenhurst fuel prices have dropped more […]
BARRIE — Confusion reined at the opening this afternoon of the region’s first screening centre as people who lined up in the cold were reminded by one another to keep their social distance. According to Jane Cocking, communications spokesperson for RVH “it was evident those waiting for the 2 p.m. opening were not clear, despite […]
GRAVENHURST — Hydro customers with one of the local utilities have been promised a reprieve. Elexicon Energy (formerly Veridian Connections) says it “recognizes that this is a very difficult time for everyone, and we want our customers to know that we’re here to help and support them.” Elexicon is suspending all electricity disconnections until further […]
ORILLIA — As COVID-19 spreads, more private organization are stepping up to restrict the possible access to the virus. Locally, Casino Rama has finally given in to government and public concern and closed as of 3 p.m. Monday. Also in Orillia, the Orillia Museum of Art & History said at the same time that it […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Be safe, take care, keep your distance, wash your hands — don’t hoard. And don’t panic. Healthy advice most of us are heeding in these unprecedented times for most of us with community transmition approaching locally. Being asked to self-isolate at home if you are vulnerable, returning from vacation […]
ORILLIA — Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) has announced its visitor restrictions as COVID-19 spreads. Effective Monday, it says the hospital will permit only one visitor per patient at any given time, with visiting hours reduced from 24 hours a day, back to designated hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be some exceptions […]
HUNTSVILLE — The ski season is over here at the local ski hill. “After considerable thought and deliberation about our effort to help in reducing the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, and in what I believe is in the best interest of our guests, employees and local communities, Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area & the Muskoka Ski Club will suspend […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Gravenhurst and Huntsville are the latest to all-but-shutdown town facilities in the wake of the escalating unprecedented COVID health emergency. Officials in Gravenhurst said Monday that in consultation with neighbouring municipalities and health officials they “will continue to conduct own business with a calm and vigilant approach.” In addition […]
BARRIE — Anyone with a valid Ontario health card can now go to Barrie to receive an an initial coronavirus screening. The swab test for COVID-19 is not being provided at the assessment centre; however, should the healthcare team determine that you require a swab, you will receive further information. In order to meet the […]
MUSKOKA-PARRY SOUND — Lakeland hydro customers impacted financially by the COVID crisis don’t have to worry about being cut off. “No customer experiencing financial hardship during this difficult time will be disconnected, so they can concentrate on the safety of their family and business,” assured CEO Chris Litschko Monday. In addition, and to guard against […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — As of Tuesday, hospitals will restrict non-essential visitors to Muskoka hospitals. Monday, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) said exceptions include special situations (obstetrical patients) and compassionate circumstances (palliative, critical patients). It also says it may need to further restrict visitors to the hospital in the future if community spread of […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com SIMCOE MUSKOKA — Regional health officials are investigating the death of a patient at RVH who came into contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. And they are asking guests and staff who stayed at Barrie’s Hampton Inn March 5-11 to watch for symptom of the deadly coronavirus. This as the […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Canada is now officially ordering all snowbirds to self-isolate themselves when they return home – and may even close the border. This after Ottawa told people not to travel abroad. In addition, Sunday, all casinos must close by 5 p.m. Monday. Ontario has asked hospitals to limit elective surgeries. […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Today, the province announced closures and new restrictions at provincial parks. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks issued the following statement Sunday related to Ontario Parks operations in response to COVID-19: “Public safety and the well-being of […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — As local hospitals screen visitors and patients, two new special COVID-19 screening centres could open this week in Bracebridge and Huntsville. Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) officials are seeking the go-ahead from the province. They are co-ordinating the sites in co-ordination with the Family Health Teams, according to Terry Shields, […]
GRAVENHURST — Prison visits here have been cancelled at the federal correctional facility Beaver Creek. Inmates who are used to regular lockdowns won’t be able to come in contact with family or friends. It’s part of a national coronavirus response by Correction Service Canada (CSC). They say that in the interest of the health and […]
MUSKOKA — College students in Muskoka or who travel to Orillia and Barrie will be without in-house classes next week as they move to online studies. Georgian College says due to COVID-19 they’ve suspended classes from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20 to allow us the time to retool our programs to move to […]
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com MUSKOKA — Corona cancellations mounted Saturday along with a number of other new related announcements. All Anglican church services Sunday have been cancelled until further notice; Province suspends non-essential visitors to all long-term care homes; District of Muskoka council meetings are halted; District chair John Klinck goes into self-isolation after trip […]