Newsroom

• UPDATE ON TOWN OF GRAVENHURST DRINKING WATER: Do Not Use Order rescinded, Boil Water Advisory issued

  Nov 27, 2021
  
  
  
  DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has rescinded its Do Not Use order and issued a Boil Water Advisory (BWA) for the Town of Gravenhurst due to risk of contamination of the drinking water from a loss of pressure in the drinking water system.
  Full story

• Do not use water order issued for the Town of Gravenhurst

  Nov 27, 2021
  
  
  
  DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a Do Not Use water order for the Town of Gravenhurst’s drinking water system due to a potential chemical contamination.
  Full story

• Health unit updates Section 22 class order for self-isolation

  Nov 24, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – In response to the rapidly rising COVID-19 cases amongst children and youth and to minimize infection rates in school settings, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has revised the class order for self-isolation, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act
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• COVID-19 vaccination for children 5 to 11 years begins November 26

  Nov 23, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Parents and guardians can now book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination for their child(ren) aged five to 11 years through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
  Full story

• SMDHU issues revised letters of instruction for businesses, organizations, and indoor recreational facilities

  Nov 23, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Due to increasing community transmission of COVID-19 in Simcoe Muskoka, the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) is revising the Letter of Instruction (LOI) to owners, operators, and persons responsible for indoor recreational sports and fitness activities and the LOI to businesses and organizations in the County of Simcoe, the District of Muskoka and the Cities of Orillia and Barrie. The revised letters come into effect 12:01 a.m. November 25 and 26, 2021 respectively.
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• COVID-19 immunizations for children 5 to 11 years coming to Simcoe Muskoka next week

  Nov 19, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has now been approved for use in children aged 5 to 11 years by Health Canada.
  Full story

• Health unit seeking volunteers for COVID-19 vaccination clinics

  Nov 18, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The health unit is accepting applications for volunteer support in the COVID-19 vaccination clinics located in Bradford, Alliston, Collingwood, Stayner, Wasaga Beach, Barrie, Orillia, and Gravenhurst.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe pop-up clinics Nov. 15 - 21

  Nov 15, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community from Nov. 15 - 21.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Bass Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Nov 12, 2021
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES - Residents and visitors to the north shore of Bass Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Fawn Lake, Town of Huntsville cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Nov 10, 2021
  
  
  
  TOWN OF HUNTSVILLE - Residents and visitors to the north-west corner of Fawn Lake in the Town of Huntsville are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Menominee Lake, Town of Huntsville cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Nov 10, 2021
  
  
  
  TOWN OF HUNTSVILLE - Residents and visitors to Menominee Lake (North Menominee Lake Road Area) are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.
  Full story

• Health unit modifies investigation processes as COVID-19 cases surge in Simcoe Muskoka

  Nov 10, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Over the past three weeks, the number of COVID-19 cases in Simcoe Muskoka has increased weekly with 247 new cases reported by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) for the week of Oct. 31, an increase that is nearly double the 127 cases reported for the week of Oct. 24.
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• COVID-19 booster dose available to book for those eligible

  Nov 09, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Following the provincial announcement to expand eligibility for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, eligible individuals can now start to book their appointment at a community clinic in Simcoe Muskoka.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe pop-up clinics Nov. 10 - 14

  Nov 08, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding one-day, pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community from Nov. 10 - 14.
  Full story

• Health unit urges residents to get their flu shot as flu season arrives

  Nov 05, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – With the arrival of flu season, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) urges residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families against getting and spreading the flu, and to ease the burden on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe pop-up clinics November 2 - 7

  Nov 02, 2021
  
  
  
  The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community from November 2 - 7.
  Full story

• Health unit pauses non-COVID-19 public immunization services

  Nov 01, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Due to continuing COVID-19 demands, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is placing publicly-funded child and adult routine immunization services at each of its seven local health unit offices across the region on hold.
  Full story

• Safety precautions can ensure a no tricks, just treats Halloween

  Oct 29, 2021
  
  
  
  The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) wants this Halloween to be fun and safe for everyone celebrating this weekend. Following public health safety measures will help ensure that you and your loved ones enjoy treats and no tricks this Halloween.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Mary Lake (Port Sydney beach area), Town of Huntsville cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Oct 25, 2021
  
  
  
  Simcoe Muskoka - Residents and visitors to Mary Lake (Port Sydney beach area), Town of Huntsville are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe pop-up clinics Oct. 25-28

  Oct 22, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community from Oct. 22-28.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe pop-up clinics Oct. 18-24

  Oct 18, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community from Oct. 18 - 24.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe pop-up clinics Oct. 15 - 17

  Oct 15, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community from Oct. 15 - 17
  Full story

• SMDHU increases public health measures at indoor sport and recreational fitness facilities

  Oct 14, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) continues to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all residents and visitors to Simcoe Muskoka. Due to the ongoing circulation of COVID-19, with most cases caused by the highly contagious Delta variant, SMDHU is issuing a letter of instruction to owners, operators and persons responsible for any indoor facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities in the County of Simcoe, the District of Muskoka and the Cities of Orillia and Barrie.
  Full story

• Federal and provincial applications submitted for the Barrie consumption and treatment services site

  Oct 12, 2021
  
  
  
  Barrie – The Canadian Mental Health Association - Simcoe County Branch (CMHA SCB), in partnership with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), has submitted formal applications to Health Canada for exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), and to the provincial government for funding approval, for the proposed Consumption and Treatment Services site at 11 Innisfil St. (80 Bradford St., unit 940) in Barrie.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe pop-up clinics Oct. 12 - 17

  Oct 12, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community from Oct. 12 - 17.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Kahshe Lake, Town of Gravenhurst cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Oct 08, 2021
  
  
  
  Town of Gravenhurst - Residents and visitors to Kahshe Lake in the Town of Gravenhurst are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the lake.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to the south shoreline of Three Mile Lake cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Oct 06, 2021
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES - Residents and visitors to the south shoreline of Three Mile Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.
  Full story

• Do your part to control rabies

  Oct 04, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE COUNTY – The annual series of low-cost rabies clinics are now open across Simcoe County.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe pop-up clinics Oct. 4 - 10

  Oct 04, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community from Oct. 4 - 10.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe pop-up clinics September 30 – October 2

  Sep 29, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community from September 30 – October 2.
  Full story

• COVID-19 education and compliance visits to businesses in Simcoe Muskoka to be held Oct. 4-6

  Sep 28, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) will again be conducting education and compliance visits to a variety of different businesses across Simcoe Muskoka from October 4 – 6, 2021.
  Full story

• Health Unit reminds residents that Ontario’s COVID-19 proof of vaccination is now in effect

  Sep 24, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) reminds the public that the Government of Ontario requires people 12 years and older to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination (or vaccination receipt) along with proof of identity to access certain indoor, non-essential businesses and settings.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe pop-up clinics September 25 – 28

  Sep 24, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community from September 25 – 28.
  Full story

• Health unit resumes public immunization services

  Sep 21, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is beginning a phased reopening of routine publicly-funded child and adult immunization services that were paused in March 2020, due to the increased demands of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Full story

• Low-cost rabies clinics return to Simcoe County

  Sep 20, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE COUNTY – The annual series of low-cost rabies clinics will be starting next week across Simcoe County.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe Muskoka clinics September 13 - 19

  Sep 13, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding many one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community during the week of September 13 - 19.
  Full story

• SMDHU hosts Live Q & A for parents and students on COVID-19 vaccination

  Sep 08, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is hosting a virtual live Q & A for parents and students on COVID-19 vaccinations tonight from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Presented by Dr. Colin Lee, SMDHU Associate Medical Officer of Health and Dr. Sarah Barker, Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital Pediatrician.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe Muskoka clinics September 7 – 12

  Sep 07, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding many one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community during the week of September 7 - 12.
  Full story

• Potential COVID-19 exposure at Barrie restaurant

  Sep 03, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) was notified of one confirmed case of COVID-19 in a staff member, who worked at a Wild Wing located at 490 Mapleview Drive in Barrie from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. on both Thursday, Aug. 19 and Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. The restaurant is working closely with the health unit to identify potential high-risk contacts.
  Full story

• SMDHU updates business and workplace protection measures in response to fourth wave

  Sep 01, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Simcoe Muskoka and the province have entered a fourth wave of COVID-19, with most cases caused by the contagious Delta variant.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Leonard Lake Township of Muskoka Lakes cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Aug 31, 2021
  
  
  
  MUSKOKA - Residents and visitors to Leonard Lake in the Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the south end of the Lake.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccinations clinics opening at secondary schools

  Aug 31, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Under the direction of the Ministry of Health, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is offering COVID-19 vaccination clinics in some secondary school locations to protect all students born in 2009 or before and their families, school staff and people in the local community.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe Muskoka clinics Aug. 30 – Sep. 5

  Aug 30, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding many one-day pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics throughout the community during the week of Aug. 30-Sept. 5.
  Full story

• Kala salad kits recalled due to potential Listeria contamination

  Aug 27, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is informing residents that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a food recall warning for various kale salad kit products from the marketplace due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
  Full story

• Extreme heat warning continues

  Aug 26, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE COUNTY– The extreme heat warning that was issued earlier this week for some communities in our region has been extended to Aug. 26.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe Muskoka clinics Aug. 23-29

  Aug 24, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding COVID-19 vaccination clinics during the week of Aug. 23-29 and individuals looking to receive their first or second dose may attend a clinic on a walk-in basis or book an appointment.
  Full story

• Protect yourself during extended extreme heat warning

  Aug 24, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE COUNTY– An extreme heat warning has been issued for some communities in our region for Aug. 24 to 25.
  Full story

• Protect yourself during extreme heat warning

  Aug 23, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE COUNTY– An extreme heat warning has been issued for some communities in our region for Aug. 23, a reminder that people should be careful of their health and look for ways to avoid overheating, says the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Three Mile Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Aug 20, 2021
  
  
  
  Township of Muskoka Lakes - Residents and visitors to Three Mile Lake, Utterson in the Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the north end of Hammell’s Bay.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Simcoe Muskoka pop-up clinics Aug. 19 - 21

  Aug 18, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will hold one-day only pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the following seven locations in Simcoe Muskoka between August 19 - 21.
  Full story

• Opioids cut with benzos linked to increased suspected overdoses in Simcoe County

  Aug 18, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The number of hospital emergency department visits for suspected opioid overdoses have increased in Simcoe County over the past several weeks and have generally remained higher than the visits in the first half of 2021.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccination clinics open in Simcoe Muskoka Aug. 16 to 22

  Aug 16, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is holding COVID-19 vaccination clinics during the week of August 16 to 22 and individuals looking to receive their first or second dose may attend the clinic on a walk-in basis or book an appointment.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Lake St. John cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Aug 13, 2021
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF RAMARA - Residents and visitors to Lake St. John, Township of Ramara are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the northeast end of Lake St. John.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Paint Lake, Township of Lake of Bays cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Aug 13, 2021
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF LAKE OF BAYS - Residents and visitors to Paint Lake in Township of Lake of Bays are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the northwest end of Paint Lake (Bay near HWY 117 and Speers Road area).
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccines available at Muskoka pop-up clinics Aug. 14-21

  Aug 12, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will hold one-day only pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the following six locations in Muskoka between August 14-21.
  Full story

• Protect yourself during extreme heat warning

  Aug 10, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE COUNTY – An extreme heat warning has been issued for some communities in our region from August 11 to 13, a reminder that people should be careful of their health and look for ways to avoid overheating, says the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccination clinics open in Simcoe Muskoka Aug. 9 to 15

  Aug 09, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is holding COVID-19 vaccination clinics during the week of Aug. 9 to 15 and individuals looking to receive their first or second dose may attend the clinic on a walk-in basis or book an appointment.
  Full story

• To move beyond Step 3 and protect the community more people are encouraged to get vaccinated

  Aug 05, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – As Simcoe Muskoka, along with the rest of the province remains in Step 3 of Ontario’s three-tiered Roadmap to Reopen, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding residents that it will only be possible to exit Step 3 and lift a majority of COVID-19 restrictions once provincial vaccination coverage targets are met.
  Full story

• Recalled frozen mangos linked to Hepatitis A, vaccination appointments available

  Aug 04, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is informing residents that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a food recall warning for various frozen mango products from the marketplace due to possible Hepatitis A contamination.
  Full story

• Walk-ins welcome at Alliston COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinic

  Aug 03, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE COUNTY – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will hold a walk-in, pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic on August 7 at the Alliston Open Air Market.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinics open in Simcoe Muskoka Aug. 3 to 8

  Aug 03, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is holding walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics during the week of Aug. 3 to 8.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Stewart Lake, Township of Georgian Bay cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Jul 30, 2021
  
  
  
  Georgian Bay Township - Residents and visitors to Stewart Lake, Township of Georgian Bay are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the Southeast end of Stewart Lake (Buckeye Road area).
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Little Lake, Township of Georgian Bay cautioned about presence of blue-green algae

  Jul 29, 2021
  
  
  
  GEORGIAN BAY TOWNSHIP - Residents and visitors to Little Lake, Township of Georgian Bay are being cautioned about the presence of blue-green algae impacting the southwest and southeast shoreline of Little Lake (Bonneville Road and Port Severn Road area).
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Georgian Bay, Township of Tay cautioned about presence of blue-green algae

  Jul 29, 2021
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF TAY - Residents and visitors to Georgian Bay, Township of Tay are being cautioned about the presence of blue-green algae impacting the southeast shoreline of Georgian Bay (Ruta Road area).
  Full story

• Simcoe Muskoka continues to see declining COVID-19 cases and increasing vaccination rates

  Jul 27, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – As Ontario enters its second week of Step 3 in the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, Simcoe Muskoka continues to see low COVID-19 case counts and ever-increasing vaccination coverage.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinics open in Simcoe Muskoka July 27 to Aug. 2

  Jul 27, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is holding walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics during the week of July 27 to Aug. 2.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccination walk-in clinics open in Simcoe Muskoka July 20-25

  Jul 20, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is holding walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics during the week of July 20 to 25.
  Full story

• Vaccination and adherence to public health measures key to Step 3 reopening success

  Jul 16, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – As Simcoe Muskoka, along with the rest of the province moved into Step 3 of its three-tiered Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. today, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding residents of the new requirements that are now in place and the importance of continuing to follow public health measures.
  Full story

• Walk-ins welcome at Stayner COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinic

  Jul 14, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will hold a walk-in pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic on July 17 in Stayner. No appointment is necessary, while supplies last.
  Full story

• Walk-ins welcome at North Simcoe Indigenous Community COVID-19 vaccination clinic

  Jul 13, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – BANAC and Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team in partnership with the Beausoleil Family Health Centre and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is offering first and second dose walk-in appointments at the Indigenous Community COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Friday July 16, 2021.
  Full story

• Bilingual walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic coming to Tiny Township July 16

  Jul 13, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – In partnership with Tiny Township and Chigamik Community Health Centre, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit will hold a walk-in pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Friday, July 16.
  Full story

• South Georgian Bay COVID-19 vaccine clinics relocated due to inclement weather

  Jul 13, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Due to expected inclement weather conditions this week, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is relocating all South Georgian Bay COVID-19 vaccination clinics indoors.
  Full story

• Collingwood COVID-19 vaccine clinic relocates to curling club due to weather

  Jul 08, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Due to inclement weather, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is relocating today’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic from the Collingwood Legion to the Collingwood Curling Club, located at 250 Hume St.
  Full story

• Protect yourself during extreme heat warning

  Jul 06, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – An extreme heat warning has been issued for today for communities in our region, a reminder that people should be careful of their health and look for ways to avoid overheating, says the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
  Full story

• Walk-ins welcome at July 6th Indigenous Community COVID-19 vaccination clinic

  Jul 06, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – BANAC and Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team in partnership with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is offering first and second dose walk-in appointments at the Indigenous Community COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday July 6, 2021.
  Full story

• Health unit urges continued adherence to public health measures in Step 2 reopening

  Jun 30, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Today Simcoe Muskoka along with the rest of the province moved into Step 2 of its three-tiered Roadmap to Reopen.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccination appointments now available at July clinics in Bradford

  Jun 28, 2021
  
  
  
  The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury - The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury together with many community partners and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics for people who live, work, or go to school in Bradford West Gwillimbury. Clinics are being held at the Bob Fallis Arena 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on July 4, 8, 11, and 15, 2021.
  Full story

• COMOH urges Ontarians to get fully vaccinated with first COVID-19 vaccine offered

  Jun 23, 2021
  
  
  
  TORONTO – The Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health (COMOH) is urging Ontarians to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible, and to take the first vaccine that is offered to them for their first or second dose.
  Full story

• Health unit seeking volunteers for COVID-19 vaccination clinics

  Jun 18, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The health unit is accepting applications for volunteer support in the COVID-19 vaccination clinics located in Barrie, Innisfil, Orillia, Bracebridge, and Huntsville.
  Full story

• Summer is around the corner! Tips to safely enjoy outdoor activities during the warm days ahead

  Jun 16, 2021
  
  
  
  The promise of warm summer days brings hope as we leave behind a winter marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the hardships it has imposed.
  Full story

• Alliston COVID-19 vaccine clinic is moving to new location

  Jun 16, 2021
  
  
  
  New Tecumseth – Effective Monday, June 21, the Alliston COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be moving from its current location at the Alliston Memorial Arena to its new site at the New Tecumseth Recreation Centre located at 7300 Industrial Parkway in Alliston.
  Full story

• Youth focused COVID-19 vaccination clinic appointments now available

  Jun 11, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The health unit and their school board partners are now offering youth focused, first dose COVID-19 vaccination clinics to those aged 12 to 17 years.
  Full story

• Dr. Charles Gardner receives unanimous support from Board of Health

  Jun 09, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) Board of Health (BOH) has given a unanimous vote of confidence to Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Charles Gardner for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Full story

• Pop-up clinic in Brechin for first and second dose appointments Friday June 11, 2021

  Jun 08, 2021
  
  
  
  Township of Ramara– First and second dose appointments are available for adults 18+ who live or work in the Brechin, Ramara, or surrounding areas.
  Full story

• Increase in opioid overdoses in Barrie

  Jun 04, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – There is currently an increase in drug overdoses within the City of Barrie. Simcoe County Paramedic Services and the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre have responded to an increase in opioid overdoses in recent days.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccination appointments available at early June clinics in Bradford

  Jun 03, 2021
  
  
  
  The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury - The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury together with many community partners and the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Bob Fallis Arena this week on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and next week Thursday and Saturday (June 3, 5, 6, 10 and 12, 2021).
  Full story

• 11 Innisfil St. endorsed by Barrie City Council as location for Supervised Consumption Site

  Jun 01, 2021
  
  
  
  Barrie – After an extensive community consultation process that included online surveys, discussions with key stakeholders including Barrie City Council members, and neighborhood virtual consultation sessions, 11 Innisfil St. (also known as 80 Bradford St., Unit 940) has been endorsed by Barrie City Council as the location for a Supervised Consumption Site (SCS) for the community.
  Full story

• Youth 12 to 17 encouraged to book COVID-19 vaccine appointments

  May 28, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Tomorrow at 8:00 a.m., thousands of new COVID-19 vaccination appointments will become available and the health unit is encouraging youth ages 12 -17 to book their first dose in June with the expectation that they will receive their second does two weeks before school starts.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccination appointments available at May 29th Coldwater pop-up clinic

  May 27, 2021
  
  
  
  Coldwater - The Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital, Couchiching Ontario Health Team, Township of Severn and Coldwater Pharmacy along with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit are hosting a COVID-19 Pop-Up Vaccination Clinic at the Coldwater Arena located at 11 Michael Anne Drive in Coldwater on Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  Full story

• Appointments available at May 31st Lake of Bays Pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic

  May 25, 2021
  
  
  
  Lake of Bays - The Township of Lake of Bays together with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is hosting a COVID-19 Pop-Up Vaccination Clinic at the Baysville Arena located at 10 University Street in Baysville on Monday, May 31, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  Full story

• Second dose COVID-19 appointments available for those immunized prior to March 17

  May 21, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Anyone who received their first COVID-19 immunization at one of the health unit’s community clinics prior to March 17th and does not have a second dose appointment can now book their second dose appointment on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.
  Full story

• May 11th Essa Pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic still has available appointments

  May 10, 2021
  
  
  
  ESSA - The Township of Essa together with the Town of Adjala-Tosorontio is hosting a COVID-19 Pop-Up Vaccination Clinic at the Angus Arena located at 8529 County Rd 10 in Angus on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  Full story

• Proposed location identified for Barrie supervised consumption site

  May 06, 2021
  
  
  
  Barrie – After an extensive community consultation process that included online surveys, discussions with key stakeholders including Barrie City Council members, and neighbourhood virtual consultation sessions, 19 Innisfil St. (also known as 80 Bradford St., Unit 940) has been identified as the proposed location for a Supervised Consumption Site (SCS) for the community.
  Full story

• Standby list available for same day COVID-19 vaccination appointments; eligibility expands to more groups

  May 04, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – A standby list is now available for same day COVID-19 vaccination appointments in Simcoe Muskoka for those who are eligible and can get to an appointment within 45 minutes of receiving a call.
  Full story

• Those pregnant now eligible for vaccination; additional COVID-19 vaccination spots available at Barrie clinic

  Apr 23, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA — As of today, those who are pregnant are now eligible to register for COVID-19 vaccination appointments under the highest risk health conditions in Ontario’s Phase 2 prioritization guidance.
  Full story

• Registration for supervised consumption site neighbourhood consultation sessions remains open

  Apr 12, 2021
  
  
  
  Barrie – Registration to participate in online neighborhood consultations remains open to people who live, own a business or work nearby the proposed locations for a Supervised Consumption Service (SCS) Site in the City of Barrie.
  Full story

• Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination expands to 50+ in Bradford West Gwillimbury (L3Z postal code)

  Apr 09, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE – Residents 50 years of age and older (born in 1971 and earlier) who live within the Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG) L3Z postal code area are now eligible to directly book their COVID-19 vaccination at community clinics via the provincial booking system at Ontario.ca/bookvaccine.
  Full story

• Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination expands

  Apr 07, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Those 60 years of age and older are now eligible to directly book their COVID-19 vaccination at community clinics via Ontario.ca/bookvaccine as the provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Plan moves into Phase 2.
  Full story

• Adults 70+ and remaining healthcare workers can now pre-register for COVID-19 vaccination

  Mar 25, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Adults 70 and older (born in 1951 or earlier), as well as all remaining (moderate priority) healthcare workers as identified in the Ministry of Health’s Guidance on Health Care Worker Prioritization can now pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s website at www.smdhu.org.
  Full story

• COVID-19 Clinic Update

  Mar 22, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Difficulties with the provincial COVID-19 booking system that resulted in appointment delays and line ups at vaccination clinics over the weekend now appear to be resolved.
  Full story

• Adults 75 and older can now pre-register with the health unit for COVID-19 vaccination

  Mar 19, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Adults 75 and older can pre-register now and throughout the weekend for their COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s website at www.smdhu.org and, as of Monday, directly book their appointment using the provincial booking system.
  Full story

• Immunized before March 10? Second dose postponed to 16 weeks

  Mar 19, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - Anyone who received their first COVID-19 immunization prior to March 10 are reminded that their second dose appointment has been cancelled and will be rebooked later.
  Full story

• Letter from MOH explains Muskoka clinic rollout as vaccine supply increases

  Mar 16, 2021
  
  
  
  MUSKOKA – Dr Charles Gardner, Simcoe Muskoka’s medical officer of health, has written a letter to the people who live, work and obtain their health care in the District of Muskoka about the roll out of COVID-19 vaccination clinics as the vaccine becomes more readily available.
  Full story

• Health Unit launches follow up survey on COVID-19 impacts

  Mar 16, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is launching a second local impact survey to gain more insight into how individuals and families have been affected by the pandemic.
  Full story

• Not all local clinic locations and appointments are yet loaded into provincial system

  Mar 15, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Please note that as of 10:00 a.m. Monday March 15, the Province has NOT yet input all the Simcoe Muskoka clinic locations and appointments into their booking system.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccination pre-registration system opens for those eligible

  Mar 12, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Pre-registration for select eligible groups as per the province’s Phase 1 roll out plan is now open on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s (SMDHU) website.
  Full story

• Time between first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccines extended

  Mar 11, 2021
  
  
  
  As of March 10, the majority of people who have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine will get their second dose 16 weeks later. The move is intended to allow more people to be protected from COVID-19 during this time of limited vaccine supply.
  Full story

• Community feedback wanted on additional supervised consumption site locations

  Mar 10, 2021
  
  
  
  BARRIE –The Supervised Consumption Site (SCS) Selection Advisory Committee has added new sites to the existing options for an SCS in Barrie and is currently looking for community feedback on these additional proposed sites.
  Full story

• Move to Grey zone an “emergency brake” to slow the rise in variant cases

  Feb 28, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The movement of Simcoe Muskoka into Grey-Lockdown on Monday is a short-term “emergency brake” intended to prevent the possibility of a third wave of the pandemic and it’s important that the community work together to overcome this risk.
  Full story

• Online booking begins for COVID-19 vaccination clinics

  Feb 25, 2021
  
  
  Full story

• Preliminary test results identify more variant cases in Simcoe Muskoka

  Jan 26, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – In addition to the seven confirmed cases of the UK COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 previously reported by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDH), an additional 99 individuals who have had a positive first screening test for a variant of concern have been identified.
  Full story

• Additional United Kingdom (UK) variant case identified in Simcoe Muskoka

  Jan 24, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) was informed late yesterday by Public Health Ontario Laboratory of an additional individual with the United Kingdom (UK) variant of COVID-19 within the region.
  Full story

• United Kingdom (UK) COVID -19 variant identified at long-term care home

  Jan 23, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA –Genome sequencing on all six COVID-19 samples from a Barrie long-term care home have now been identified as the United Kingdom (UK) variant that has proven to be highly contagious and easily transmitted
  Full story

• Simcoe Muskoka Immunization Team acts quickly to contain COVID variant

  Jan 22, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – In the fight against any further spread of COVID-19 that has swept through Roberta Place long-term care home, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has accelerated its immunization program.
  Full story

• Preliminary COVID-19 variant testing positive in Barrie long-term care home outbreak

  Jan 20, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Laboratory testing has identified a COVID-19 variant in six swabs from a Barrie long-term care home experiencing a significant outbreak.
  Full story

• Simcoe Muskoka Long-Term Care home residents now vaccinated against COVID-19

  Jan 19, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – All eligible long-term care (LTC) residents across Simcoe Muskoka have been offered and the great majority have accepted and received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine along with some employees and essential caregivers at the homes.
  Full story

• Health unit issues order to help bring Roberta Place outbreak under control

  Jan 18, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has issued an order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) for the temporary leadership of Roberta Place Long-Term Care Home in Barrie by Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) to help bring a current outbreak under control.
  Full story

• Health unit lifts Boil Water Advisory for Bracebridge

  Jan 14, 2021
  
  
  
  BRACEBRIDGE – The Boil Water Advisory issued for the Town of Bracebridge on January 10, 2021 has been lifted by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU). Laboratory test results have confirmed that the water is free from contamination and is safe to drink.
  Full story

• COVID-19 vaccine rolls-out to Simcoe Muskoka long-term care and retirement homes

  Jan 12, 2021
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA– The COVID-19 immunization of residents of long-term care (LTC) and retirement homes (RH) in Simcoe Muskoka is now underway.
  Full story

• Boil water advisory issued for the Town of Bracebridge

  Jan 10, 2021
  
  
  
  TOWN OF BRACEBRIDGE – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has issued a boil water advisory (BWA) for the Town of Bracebridge following a recent water main break.
  Full story

• New COVID-19 Immunization Clinic to open for priority individuals in Simcoe Muskoka

  Dec 18, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - A COVID-19 Immunization Clinic is expected to open in Barrie imminently to begin immunizing prioritized individuals against COVID-19. The exact date is dependent on delivery of the vaccine.
  Full story

• Catch up immunization clinics now available for current Grade 8 students

  Dec 16, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA — Catch up immunization clinics for current Grade 8 students who missed Grade 7 vaccines due to COVID-19 in the spring are now being offered by appointment only by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU).
  Full story

• Opioid strategy work continues as crisis worsens

  Dec 10, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – While the efforts of the Simcoe Muskoka Opioid Strategy (SMOS) to address the opioid crisis have been somewhat interrupted by COVID-19, critical work continues amidst a worsening local situation.
  Full story

• Catch up immunization clinics now available for current Grade 8 students

  Dec 09, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA — Catch up immunization clinics for current Grade 8 students who missed Grade 7 vaccines due to COVID-19 in the spring are now being offered by appointment only by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU).
  Full story

• Medical Officer of Health clarifies expectations and exemptions in updated letter of instruction to businesses for COVID-19 prevention measures

  Dec 02, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – In an updated letter of instruction to businesses and organizations, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Charles Gardner is providing revised information and clarification for businesses and organizations expected to employ additional precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in work settings.
  Full story

• Catch up immunization clinics now available for current Grade 8 students

  Dec 02, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA — Catch up immunization clinics for current Grade 8 students who missed Grade 7 vaccines due to COVID-19 in the spring are now being offered by appointment only by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU).
  Full story

• Businesses instructed to step up COVID-19 prevention measures in Simcoe Muskoka

  Nov 26, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Dr. Charles Gardner, medical officer of health, has instructed businesses and organizations operating inSimcoe Muskoka that they must employ additional precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in work settings.
  Full story

• Additional COVID-19 public health measures strongly recommended for Simcoe Muskoka

  Nov 24, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Dr. Charles Gardner, Simcoe Muskoka’s Medical Officer of Health, today issued a special statement to all residents of Simcoe Muskoka asking that they increase their efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to the north side of Bass Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Nov 18, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Muskoka Lakes — Residents and visitors to the north side of Bass Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.
  Full story

• Catch up immunization clinics now available for current Grade 8 students

  Nov 18, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA — Catch up immunization clinics for current Grade 8 students who missed Grade 7 vaccines due to COVID-19 in the spring are now being offered.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to the mid-western side of LEONARD LAKE, Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.

  Nov 11, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Muskoka Lakes — Residents and visitors to the southeast side of LEONARD LAKE, Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to the west side of KASHE LAKE, Town of Gravenhurst are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.

  Nov 11, 2020
  
  
  
  Town of Gravenhurst — Residents and visitors to the west side of KASHE LAKE, Town of Gravenhurst are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to the north end of BLACK LAKE, Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.

  Nov 11, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Muskoka Lakes — Residents and visitors to the north end of BLACK LAKE, Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom.
  Full story

• Catch up immunization clinics now available for current Grade 8 students

  Nov 06, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA— Catch up immunization clinics for current Grade 8 students who missed Grade 7 vaccines due to COVID-19 in the spring are now being offered by appointment only by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU).
  Full story

• Simcoe Muskoka long-term care homes ordered to restrict general visitors, stop short-stay and temporary outings under Section 22 class order

  Nov 03, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – A class order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act has been issued by Simcoe Muskoka’s Medical Officer of Health (MOH) to immediately restrict all indoor visits at long-term care homes to one essential visitor at a time and suspend general visiting to protect the vulnerable elderly residents from COVID-19 transmission.
  Full story

• New data on infant feeding available for health care providers to help improve breastfeeding rates in Simcoe Muskoka

  Oct 28, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – New data on Feeding Babies in Simcoe Muskoka is available for healthcare partners on the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s Health Professional web portal to support their efforts to increase local breastfeeding rates.
  Full story

• Health unit launches survey to collect information on COVID-19 impact on local residents

  Oct 27, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit wants to know more about your experiences, good and bad, during this pandemic and is asking residents to complete an online survey to learn what issues need to be addressed.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Deep Bay Sparrow Lake, Township of Severn cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Oct 27, 2020
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF SEVERN — Residents and visitors to Deep Bay Sparrow Lake in the Township of Severn are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the west side of Deep Bay, Sparrow Lake.
  Full story

• Catch up immunization clinics now available for current Grade 8 students

  Oct 22, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Catch up immunization clinics for current Grade 8 students who missed Grade 7 vaccines due to COVID-19 in the spring, are now being offered by appointment only by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU).
  Full story

• Simcoe Muskoka On The Move: Making the trip to school safe and healthy

  Oct 19, 2020
  
  
  
  The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, in collaboration with several community partners, has launched simcoemuskokaonthemove.ca, a new section on its website designed to promote active school travel as a safe and healthy choice for students and families. The launch coincides with International Walk to School Month in October.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Stewart Lake, Township of Georgian Bay cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Oct 16, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Georgian Bay — Residents and visitors to Stewart Lake, Township of Georgian Bay are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the northwest end of Stewart Lake.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Otter Lake, Township of Severn cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Oct 16, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Severn — Residents and visitors to Otter Lake in the Township of Severn are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the North end of Otter Lake.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Cooks Bay Lake Simcoe, Town of Innisfil cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Oct 09, 2020
  
  
  
  Town of Innisfil — Residents and visitors to Cooks Bay Lake Simcoe, Town of Innisfil, are being advised about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the northwest area of Cooks Bay, Innisfil (vicinity of 2nd Line).
  Full story

• Supervised consumption site survey seeks community feedback

  Oct 07, 2020
  
  
  
  BARRIE – The Barrie community is invited to offer their opinion on two proposed locations for a supervised consumption site (SCS) in the city by filling out a survey now available online.
  Full story

• Health unit issues class order under Section 22 to further protect the public against COVID-19

  Oct 06, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – A class order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act has been issued by Simcoe Muskoka’s Medical Officer of Health (MOH) to enforce COVID-19 self-isolation requirements.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Ril Lake, Township of Lake of Bays cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Sep 29, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Lake of Bays — Residents and visitors to Ril Lake, Lake of Bays Township are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the northeast area of the lake.
  Full story

• West Nile virus season nearing peak

  Sep 28, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - As summer lengthens, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus (WNv) increases.
  Full story

• Blue-green algae notices lifted for three lake locations

  Sep 25, 2020
  
  
  
  MUSKOKA - The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has lifted the advisories for three lake locations where blue-green algae was previously detected in Brandy Lake, the northwest end of Three Mile Lake and 10 Mile Bay (eastern end).
  Full story

• Low-cost rabies clinics are back

  Sep 22, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE COUNTY – The annual series of low-cost rabies clinics will be launching this week across Simcoe County.
  Full story

• West Nile virus season nearing peak

  Sep 21, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - As summer lengthens, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus (WNv) increases.
  Full story

• Worrisome rise in COVID-19 cases a reminder to shrink social circles, gatherings

  Sep 18, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – As local cases of COVID-19 sharply rise to numbers not seen since the spring, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is asking the public to shrink their social circles as much as possible to those within their own household and to be cautious to reduce their exposure within the community.
  Full story

• Staff member is first positive school case of COVID-19 reported in Simcoe Muskoka

  Sep 15, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has received notification of the region’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 related to a school, specifically in a staff member at Twin Lakes Secondary School in Orillia.
  Full story

• West Nile virus season nearing peak

  Sep 14, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - As summer lengthens, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus (WNv) increases.
  Full story

• Appointments available for Free Hepatitis A Immunization

  Sep 09, 2020
  
  
  
  DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is continuing to offer free Hepatitis A immunization for eligible residents of Muskoka at its clinics in Gravenhurst and Huntsville.
  Full story

• West Nile virus season nearing peak

  Sep 08, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - As summer lengthens, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus (WNv) increases.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Boyd’s Bay Lake Muskoka Town of Bracebridge cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Sep 04, 2020
  
  
  
  Town of Bracebridge — Residents and visitors to Boyd’s Bay Lake Muskoka (in the area of Spirit Bay Harbour), Bracebridge are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom
  Full story

• Appointments available for Free Hepatitis A Immunization

  Sep 01, 2020
  
  
  
  DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is continuing to offer free Hepatitis A immunization for eligible residents of Muskoka at its clinics in Gravenhurst and Huntsville. Cases of Hepatitis A have been circulating in Muskoka and the best way to prevent the virus is by getting vaccinated.
  Full story

• West Nile virus season nearing peak

  Aug 31, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - As summer lengthens, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus (WNv) increases.
  Full story

• Appointments available for Free Hepatitis A Immunization

  Aug 26, 2020
  
  
  
  DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is continuing to offer free Hepatitis A immunization for eligible residents of Muskoka at its clinics in Gravenhurst and Huntsville.
  Full story

• West Nile virus season nearing peak

  Aug 24, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - As summer lengthens, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus (WNv) increases.
  Full story

• Appointments available for Free Hepatitis A Immunization

  Aug 20, 2020
  
  
  
  DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is continuing to offer free Hepatitis A immunization for eligible residents of Muskoka at its clinics in Gravenhurst and Huntsville.
  Full story

• Health unit offers returning to school guidance

  Aug 18, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is working with local schools and school boards to support back to school planning, and has information and resources to help guide parents in returning their children to school.
  Full story

• WNv protection important as mosquitoes continue to test positive for virus

  Aug 18, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit continues to see mosquitoes test positive for the West Nile virus (WNv) in Alliston, Town of New Tecumseth, prompting a reminder that residents need to be careful to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
  Full story

• Blue-green algae bloom confirmed in Three Mile Lake prompting resident and visitor caution

  Aug 13, 2020
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES — Residents and visitors are being cautioned about a blue-green algae bloom in the east end of the main basin of Three Mile Lake.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Lake St. John, Township of Ramara cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Aug 11, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Ramara— Residents and visitors are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom located in the south end of Lake St. John, Township of Ramara.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Silver Lake Township of Muskoka Lakes cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Aug 11, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Muskoka Lakes— Residents and visitors are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom located in the south-west area of Silver Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes.
  Full story

• Appointments available for Free Hepatitis A Immunization

  Aug 10, 2020
  
  
  
  DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA – Appointments for free Hepatitis A immunization are now available for eligible residents of Muskoka at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s clinics in Gravenhurst and Huntsville.
  Full story

• Mosquito pool tests positive for West Nile Virus

  Aug 04, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites following confirmation that mosquitoes collected from a trap in Alliston, Town of New Tecumseth, tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNv).
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Brandy Lake Muskoka Lake cautioned about blue-green algae bloom

  Jul 29, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Muskoka Lakes — Residents and visitors are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom located in the north end of Brandy Lake, Muskoka Lakes (Falkenburg Road and Brackenrig Road area).
  Full story

• Protect yourself during extended heat warning

  Jul 27, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – An extended heat warning has been issued until the end of the day for communities in our region, a reminder that people should be careful of their health and look for ways to avoid overheating, says the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
  Full story

• Protect yourself from extreme heat

  Jul 24, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Environment Canada has issued an early heat warning notification for communities in our area. The heat warning is expected to be issued to the public on Saturday July 25, 2020.
  Full story

• Protect yourself from extreme heat

  Jul 17, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - The heat warning issued Friday through to Sunday for communities in our area means that people should be careful of their health and look for ways to avoid overheating, says the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
  Full story

• Fuel spill resolved at Windermere Beach

  Jul 17, 2020
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES – Based on water sample results received today from the Township of Muskoka Lakes, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has re-opened Windermere Beach for swimming.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Ten Mile Bay cautioned after blue-green algae bloom confirmed

  Jul 15, 2020
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF LAKE OF BAYS — A confirmed blue-green algae bloom is impacting a shallow bay on the eastern end of Ten Mile Bay, in the Township of Lake of Bays, and residents and visitors are being reminded to take precautions.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Little Lake Park Beach cautioned after blue-green algae bloom confirmed

  Jul 14, 2020
  
  
  
  TOWN OF MIDLAND — A blue-green algae bloom in Little Lake Park Beach, on Little Lake in the Town of Midland, has been confirmed and residents and visitors are being reminded to take precautions.
  Full story

• Windermere Beach closed for swimming due to small fuel spill

  Jul 13, 2020
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES — The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is advising the public of a small fuel spill into Lake Rosseau from a boat at the Windermere Marina. The affected area is in the vicinity of the Windermere Marina and Windermere Beach.
  Full story

• Residents and visitors to Weismiller Bayon Lake Muskoka cautioned about small blue-green algae bloom

  Jul 10, 2020
  
  
  
  TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES — Residents and visitors to Weismiller Bay on Lake Muskoka, in the Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a small confirmed blue-green algae bloom.
  Full story

• Visitors to Little Lake Park in Midland cautioned about potential algae bloom

  Jul 08, 2020
  
  
  
  MIDLAND — Beach goers and visitors to Little Lake Park in the Town of Midland are being cautioned about a potential blue-green algae bloom.
  Full story

• Public will be required to wear face coverings in all indoor public spaces in Simcoe Muskoka

  Jul 07, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – As of Monday July 13, 2020, the public is required to wear a face covering (i.e. non-medical mask) when entering the indoor premises of businesses, organizations and on public transit systems in Simcoe Muskoka.
  Full story

• Protect yourself during extended heat warning

  Jul 06, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – An extended heat warning has been issued through to the end of the week for communities in our region, a reminder that people should be careful of their health and look for ways to avoid overheating, says the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
  Full story

• Order issued to help protect farm employees from COVID-19

  Jun 24, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Today the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) issued an order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) to employers of farm workers in Simcoe Muskoka to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on farms.
  Full story

• Protect yourself from extreme heat

  Jun 09, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - The heat warning issued for Tuesday through to Wednesday for communities in our area means that people should be careful of their health and look for ways to avoid overheating, says the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
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• Take a selfie of your tick to prevent Lyme disease

  Jun 08, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health unit is encouraging local residents to use a free app to help identify ticks, offering an easy way for people to determine if the tick they have found is a blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis).
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• Temperatures rise to warning levels

  May 25, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - The heat warning issued today means that people should be taking care not to overdo it, says the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
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• Precautionary notice regarding fuel spill lifted

  May 05, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Muskoka Lakes – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is advising the public that a diesel fuel spill into Henshaw Lake has now been remediated and that recommended drinking water precautions are now lifted.
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• Fuel Spill in Muskoka May Impact Private Water Supplies

  Apr 09, 2020
  
  
  
  Township of Muskoka Lakes – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is advising the public of a small diesel fuel spill into Henshaw Lake.
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• Second confirmed case of Hepatitis A in a Food Handler in Huntsville

  Mar 25, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has been notified of a second case of Hepatitis A in an additional food handler who worked at the Family Place Restaurant and Pizza, 1 King William St., Huntsville on certain dates and times between March 5 and March 15, 2020. The restaurant is working closely with the health unit on the investigation.
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• Second COVID-19 death in region

  Mar 21, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has received notification that an individual who was being treated at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie for COVID-19 has died.
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• New positive case of COVID-19

  Mar 18, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is following up with known contacts of its fifth confirmed case of COVID-19.
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• Death in region potentially related to COVID-19

  Mar 17, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has received notification that the death of an individual at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie was potentially related to COVID-19.
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• MOH recommends bars and restaurants close, or switch delivery method

  Mar 16, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is strongly recommending that dine-in restaurants and bars close or stop in-person delivery to limit potential spread of COVID-19.
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• Two new positive cases of COVID-19

  Mar 15, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is following up with known contacts of a two new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
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• Update to local COVID-19 case – no new cases

  Mar 14, 2020
  
  
  
  The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is confirming that there are no new cases of COVID-19 in the region, after a follow up investigation of its first case, announced March 12.
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• First positive case of COVID-19 recovering at home

  Mar 12, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has received notification of the region’s first confirmed case of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in a local resident who recently returned from Germany and Spain. The individual is self-isolating and recovering at home.
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• Case of Hepatitis A confirmed at Huntsville restaurant

  Mar 11, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) was notified of a case of Hepatitis A in a food handler, who worked at the Family Place Restaurant and Pizza, 1 King William St., Huntsville on certain dates and times between February 19th and March 7th, 2020.
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• Board of Health Notes February 19, 2020

  Mar 10, 2020
  
  
  
  Board meeting notes from February 19, 2020: Board approves 2020 budget; Infectious disease program under stress
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• Health unit prepares for a COVID-19 pandemic and encourages the public do the same

  Mar 06, 2020
  
  
  
  While the risk of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) is currently low for our area and there are no confirmed cases here, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is planning for the potential arrival of widespread community transmission of the virus, and is urging the community to prepare as well.
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• Increase in Hepatitis A Virus Cases in Muskoka

  Mar 04, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has identified an increase in individuals with Hepatitis A virus in the region from north of Gravenhurst to Huntsville, and is currently investigating to identify any potential common exposures or risk factors/behaviours.
  Full story

• Increase in overdoses in Orillia and Barrie

  Mar 03, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA - Orillia and Barrie are currently experiencing an increase in drug overdoses, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reports.
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• Prenatal classes in-person and now online

  Feb 24, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Are you a parent to be, looking for a local prenatal class?
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• Report immunization records to the health unit

  Feb 24, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Did you know that you can easily update your child’s immunization records online?
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• Extreme cold expected tonight

  Feb 13, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Environment Canada has forecasted extreme cold conditions for the region for tonight, which may remain in effect for the night of Friday February 14 as well. A frigid arctic air mass and strong winds are expected, which will result in wind chill values of minus 30 to minus 35 tonight.
  Full story

• Small Fuel Spill in Muskoka May Impact Private Water Supplies

  Feb 11, 2020
  
  
  
  Town of Gravenhurst – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is advising the public of a small fuel spill into the South Beaver Creek yesterday, following a transport truck collision on Highway 11 southbound just south of Beiers Road.
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• Prenatal classes in-person and now online

  Feb 10, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Are you a parent to be, looking for a local prenatal class?
  Full story

• Report immunization records to the health unit

  Feb 10, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Did you know that you can easily update your child’s immunization records online?
  Full story

• Extreme cold expected through to Saturday morning

  Feb 07, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Environment Canada has forecasted extreme cold conditions for the region.
  Full story

• Elementary School Suspension Day - February 27, 2020

  Feb 06, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Earlier this month the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit mailed more than 2000 suspension orders home to students in Grades 2 & 8 reminding them that their child’s immunization information needs to be updated before February 27
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• Board meeting notes, Jan. 15, 2020

  Jan 28, 2020
  
  
  
  Board of Health chair and vice-chair acclaimed; Gravenhurst dental clinic expanding to improve access for eligible seniors
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• Health unit preparing for coronavirus

  Jan 24, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – While the risk of the new coronavirus remains low for our region, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is putting in place measures to protect residents should the virus appear.
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• Health unit concludes Legionnaires’ disease investigation in Barrie

  Jan 23, 2020
  
  
  
  BARRIE – An investigation by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) into an increase in Legionnaires’ disease cases in Barrie, first announced December 11, is now concluded.
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• Prenatal classes in-person and now online

  Jan 13, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Are you a parent to be, looking for a local prenatal class?
  Full story

• Report immunization records to the health unit

  Jan 13, 2020
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Did you know that you can easily update your child’s immunization records online?
  Full story

• Board Of Health Meeting Notes of November 20, 2019

  Dec 19, 2019
  
  
  
  Board of Health Meeting Notes of November 20, 2019 covering the following topics: Supervised drug consumption plans in Barrie; Legalized cannabis edibles generate uncertainty; People in our communities are struggling to put food on the table.
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• Report immunization records to the health unit

  Dec 16, 2019
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Did you know that you can easily update your child’s immunization records online?
  Full story

• Prenatal classes in-person and now online

  Dec 16, 2019
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Are you a parent to be, looking for a local prenatal class?
  Full story

• Health unit investigating increase in Legionnaires’ disease cases in Barrie

  Dec 11, 2019
  
  
  
  The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is currently investigating an increase in Legionnaires’ disease cases in Barrie
  Full story

• Report immunization records to the health unit

  Dec 02, 2019
  
  
  
  SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Did you know that you can easily update your child’s immunization records online?
  Full story