COVID-19 Assessment Centre

MAHC's COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Bracebridge is not open for walk-in visits.  Testing is by appointment only.  Please:

• First determine if you require a COVID-19 test by completing a self-assessment
• Do not seek testing at multiple COVID-19 assessment centres as this will result in delayed access and delayed test results for all.  If you have already booked an appointment at an assessment centre and can no longer make it, please cancel and rebook your time so others who need a test can be seen.  This is important to ensuring those in need can receive timely access to testing and timely access to test results.

Prior to booking your appointment with us, please review the eligibility information below.

Who should be tested at a COVID-19 assessment centre?

Based on the Ontario Government’s current COVID-19 testing guidelines, we are assessing individuals for COVID-19 testing based on the following:

1. Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19*

2. Direct contacts of confirmed COVID- 19 cases** identified as:

• A household contact (note this does not include contacts of contacts such as a friend of someone in your household)
• Directed or recommended by public health via contact tracing or outbreak investigation
• Notified via the COVID Alert app

In addition, the following groups are eligible for testing at assessment centres regardless of the presence of symptoms.  Currently, these are:

• Workers in long-term care homes every two weeks. Workers in long-term care homes should not be tested more frequently than every two weeks unless directed by public health in an outbreak setting.
• Essential caregivers visiting a long-term care home
• Residents or workers in homeless shelters, or other congregate settings. A list of congregate settings is outlined in guidance from the Ministry of Health.
• Pre-operative patients prior to receiving general anaesthesia and cancer patients receiving therapy as outlined in guidance from the Ministry of Health.
• International students who have passed their 14-day quarantine period, or who have developed symptoms within their 14-day period (breaking quarantine to get a test is not encouraged but assessment centres will not turn symptomatic individuals away).
• Farm workers
• Indigenous communities
• Individuals who need testing for international travel clearance (note: this is an interim measure. Please check Ontario.ca/covidtest to ensure you have the most current information).

Groups of people who are eligible for testing at assessment centres regardless of their symptoms may change from time to time.  You should confirm your eligibility for a COVID-19 test with your health care provider before seeking testing.

*Children are eligible for testing when they fulfill the following symptoms:

• Are recommended for testing by the local public health unit
• Are exhibiting new/worsening symptoms of:
  • Fever and/or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Decrease or loss of smell or taste
• Exhibiting 2 or more of the following new/worsening symptoms:
  • Sore throat
  • Runny/Stuffy nose
  • Headache
  • Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
  • Fatigue, lethargy, muscle aches or malaise
• You must screen for COVID-19 every day before going to school/ child care. Use the school screening tool to help make this decision.

**If an asymptomatic close contact tests negative, they must remain in self-isolation for 14 days from their last exposure to the case. If they later become symptomatic within the isolation period, they should be re-tested.

The only exception is if the individual was alerted to a possible exposure by the COVID Alert app, then they must isolate until they receive their tests results.  If the results are negative, they are required to self-monitor for 14 days from when they received the alert. If they later become symptomatic within the isolation period, they should be re-tested and self-isolate until they receive their test results.

Examples of who would not be eligible for testing

Please note, the following are examples of individuals do not meet testing eligibility criteria:

• Asymptomatic individuals seeking workplace testing outside of outbreak investigations or government requirements
• Other members of the family that do not fit the current COVID-19 testing guidance (those without eligible symptoms or who are not a contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case).
• Asymptomatic close contacts of an individual with symptoms compatible with COVID- 19, unless the individual is confirmed as COVID -19 infected
• Asymptomatic contacts of case contacts (close contacts of an individual who is a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, unless the individual is confirmed as COVID-19 infected)
• Asymptomatic sports team member testing unless referred by public health

Book an Appointment - call 1-888-383-7009

For everyone's safety, appointments are required and can be booked by calling 1-888-383-7009.  When visiting the COVID-19 assessment centre, please follow public health measures, including wearing a face covering and maintain physical distance from people outside your household or social circle.

At the Assessment Centre, health care professionals will test for COVID-19 based on the most up-to-date guidelines from the Ministry of Health and the health care professional’s assessment of the individual.  You will be seen by a health care professional who will provide you with the necessary care instructions, if required.  You are strongly encouraged to follow up with your family doctor or primary care provider so they are also aware you have been tested and may also have access to your results. 

Hours and Location

MAHC's COVID-19 Assessment Centre is located in a portable at 75 Ann Street in Bracebridge, adjacent to the helipad at the back of the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) property.  Please note it is not located inside the hospital. 

Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except for statutory holidays.

Driving Directions and Parking

1. Access is from Ann Street in Bracebridge, follow the signs. 
2. Continue past the visitor parking lot and veer right toward the Emergency Entrance. Continue on the one-way driveway past the Emergency Entrance.
3. Proceed straight into the parking lot directly ahead of you. The parking gates will be raised and there is no fee for parking.
4. Park in one of the reserved parking spaces on the left side of the parking lot.
5.  When leaving, turn right out of the parking lot (don’t go out through the one-way driveway).
6. Continue past the portable to leave the property. At the stop sign, turn right toward Liddard Street.

Test Results

The assessment centre does not give out test results.  For your test results, visit covid-19.ontario.ca and click on "check your lab results".  Your results may also be available through other laboratory online portals you already subscribe to (e.g. Life Labs, Dynacare).  A test result is usually available in 2-10 days.  If you have not received your test result after 7 days, call 1-888-383-7009, and press 2.

Other COVID-19 Testing Options

Other testing options in Muskoka and Simcoe County are listed on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website or on the Province of Ontario website.