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. At Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) the safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our top priority.
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.
It’s more important than ever to work together to keep each other safe. The most important thing you can do is stay home and practise physical and social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19. Helpful tips how you can do your part are available on the Ontario government's dedicated website.
Be assured that both hospital sites have put measures in place to protect the health of our patients, staff and physicians. While things may be done differently during this time, please know that our team remains dedicated to treating everyone with care and respect.
What to Expect
When you come to either site, you will be screened at the entrance with questions about symptoms and recent travel. There may be line-ups so please keep two metres (six feet) between you and others, and be patient with the screening questions. You will be asked to clean your hands with sanitizer, and required to wear a hospital-issued mask properly, covering your nose and mouth, for the entirety of your hospital visit.
| Number of patients with COVID-19 we are currently caring for at our hospitals: | 8 |
(Includes Huntsville and South Muskoka sites; table updated weekdays by 4pm)
COVID-19 Updates
| Emergency Departments Are Open |
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Our Emergency Departments are open 24/7. If you are a patient coming to the Emergency Dept., you will be assessed by the triage nurse. Providers are following public health direction for COVID-19 testing. If you have been tested for COVID-19 in the Emergency Dept. your test results will be reported to your primary care provider. If you do not have a primary care provider and have not been contacted with your results after four days after having the test, please contact the hospital’s Health Records Department at ext. 2214 (Huntsville site) or ext. 3125 (South Muskoka site). |
| Essential Visitation for Inpatients (One Designated Care Partner; One Alternate), Vaccination Mandatory |
| Effective December 17, 2021, inpatients may choose one essential visitor to be their designated care partner for the duration of their stay. Inpatients may also designate an alternate care partner who may visit when the designated care partner is unable to visit. Identified care partners must be over the age of 18 and only one may visit per day. At this time, only approved care partners are permitted to visit while adhering to strict guidelines during visitor hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required for identified care partners and for support people accompanying a patient to an appointment in special circumstances. Exceptions apply for individuals with approved medical exemptions and visitors of specific patient populations. MAHC will not accept proof of negative tests in place of COVID-19 vaccination records to enter our hospitals. Learn more about our Visitor Requirements During COVID-19. Send an Inpatient Your Best Wishes If you have a family member or friend currently in either of MAHC’s hospital sites, you can bring a smile to their face by using our complimentary best wishes service to get a message delivered to their bedside through a form on our website at www.mahc.ca/BestWishes/ |
| Elective Surgery & Procedures Postponed |
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As directed by the Ontario government through Directive 2, MAHC is temporarily postponing elective/non-urgent surgeries and procedures effective January 5, 2022. Impacted patients who have upcoming surgeries will be contacted directly by their surgeons’ offices. Urgent and emergent surgeries, including cancer-related cases continue. |
| Outpatient Services Reduced or Postponed |
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As directed by the Ontario government through Directive 2, MAHC is temporarily postponing some non-urgent, scheduled outpatient procedures and clinic appointments. Patients who have upcoming appointments at MAHC will be contacted by their surgeons’ offices or the hospital if their outpatient appointment is cancelled at this time and rebooked later once the directive is lifted. If you do not receive a call from MAHC, your appointment is not cancelled. Some hospital outpatient clinics and Diagnostic Imaging appointments are continuing at a reduced capacity. We regret that no one is permitted to accompany outpatients for appointment except for special circumstances where a support person is necessary. Vaccination against COVID-19 is required for support people, effective November 22, 2021. |
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Auxiliary Volunteer Services Suspended |
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Auxiliary volunteer services have been suspended at both sites until further notice. |
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Onsite Bill Payments Discouraged During COVID-19 |
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As we make efforts to limit the number of non-essential people in the hospitals, onsite bill payments are discouraged where possible. Please phone the hospital to make your payment, or mail in a cheque. Read more information about how to pay a bill. |
| MAHC COVID-19 Assessment Centre |
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MAHC's COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Bracebridge is not open for walk-in visits. Testing is by appointment only in line with eligibility requirements. Book your appointment by calling 1-888-383-7009. For more information on eligibility, and alternative testing sites, visit www.mahc.ca/COVID-19Testing/ Patients who are unwell and feel they require an assessment by a physician but are not eligible for testing as per eligibility requirements may book an appointment with a physician in the Assessment Centre, dependent on the physician’s availability. Please note, this would be for assessment only and testing/swabbing would not be completed. |
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COVID-19 Vaccination |
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Please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website for vaccine-related information. Eligibility for a third booster dose has been expanded by the Ontario government. Eligible individuals appointments may book their vaccine appointments directly through the Ontario provincial booking site or by calling 1-833-943-3900. Several pharmacies are also administering vaccines and appointments can be booked through participating pharmacies. |
| News & Community Updates |
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Outbreak on HDMH’s South Wing Over - January 17, 2022 YourTV Video: MAHC Interim President and CEO talks new position and COVID strain - January 12, 2022 MAHC Pausing Non-Urgent Appointments & Surgical Procedures - January 7, 2022 Outbreak Status Declared on HDMH's South Wing - January 6, 2022 Assessment Centre COVID Testing Update - January 3, 2022 MAHC Returns to Essential Visitation Only for Inpatients - December 16, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccination to be Mandatory for Visitors at MAHC - November 5, 2021 MAHC Implements Second Phase of Visiting - July 26, 2021 MAHC Reintroduces Essential Visitors for Inpatients - June 21, 2021 MAHC Resumes Elective and Non-Urgent Surgical Activity - May 31, 2021 YourTV Video: MAHC CEO on Current Capacity During Third Wave of COVID-19 - April 13, 2021 Muskoka Assessment Centres Hours on Easter Holidays - March 29, 2021 YourTV Video: MAHC CEO Natalie Bubela reflects on a year of COVID - March 18, 2021 CEO Blog: Looking forward after one year with COVID-19 - February 25, 2021 Muskoka Assessment Centres Open on Family Day - February 1, 2021 MAHC Restricts Visitors as Public Ordered to Stay Home - January 13, 2021 YourTV Video: Medical staff speak about COVID-19 vaccination - January 12, 2021 YourTV Video: A different Christmas according to MAHC clinicians - December 22, 2020 MAHC Assessment Centre COVID Testing Update - December 16, 2020 CEO Blog: Gratitude to Hospital Staff Looks Different This Holiday Season - December 7, 2020 CEO Blog: Take it From Us and Do Your Part to #StopTheSpread - October 27, 2020 Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit COVID-19 Impact Study - October 27, 2020 Muskoka COVID-19 Testing Locations Follow Changes to Testing Eligibility - September 30, 2020 Staff Case of COVID-19 - September 24, 2020 CEO Blog: MAHC COVID-19 Assessment Centre Update - September 4, 2020 Changes Coming to COVID-19 Testing in Muskoka - August 25, 2020 MAHC Eases Visiting Restrictions to Allow Essential Visitors for Inpatients - July 27, 2020 Elective Diagnostic Imaging Resuming at MAHC - July 9, 2020 Donation of Supplies Gratefully Appreciated - June 30, 2020 Video: 'Showing MAHC' (My Appreciation for Health Care) Celebration of Excellence - June 26, 2020 Gradual Resumption of Elective Surgeries Underway at MAHC - June 11, 2020 CEO Blog: Planning a Gradual and Cautious Ramp-up For Resuming Hospital Services - June 2, 2020 Video: Pandemic Community Support & Encouragement for Team MAHC - May 2, 2020 Board Chair Blog/Message to Our Communities - April 27, 2020 CEO Blog/Another Message to Our Communities - April 7, 2020 CEO Blog/Message to Our Communities About COVID-19 - March 25, 2020 Donations of Supplies to Support COVID-19 Preparedness - March 25, 2020 MAHC Limits Outpatient Services and Programs - March 23, 2020 |
| More Information |
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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 |
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