COVID-19 Updates

Local Updates

General Cancellations and Closures - COVID-19

General Cancellations and Closures in Simcoe County due to COVID-19.
Here's what is STILL OPEN in Simcoe-County

Here's what is STILL OPEN in Midland, Orillia, Barrie and Simcoe County during the COIVD-19 pandemic.
Orillia Remembrance service cancelled, pre-taped for TV

For the health and safety of all those involved, and in keeping with expert advice from the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), the 2020 Remembrance Day Services at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Barrie's Remembrance day guidelines. No cenotaph ceremony

There will be no public ceremony at the Memorial Square cenotaph, as has been tradition in previous years, and residents are advised against gathering at the Memorial Square cenotaph on November 11.
Georgian College to have virtual convocation

The college is hosting its first-ever virtual convocation ceremonies this month to recognize almost 2,000 graduates
Drive through assessment centre opens in Wasaga Beach

As part of ongoing efforts to keep the South Georgian Bay community safe from potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, a new Drive Through COVID-19 Assessment Centre will open in Wasaga Beach on October 21, 2020
Province gives RVH control of Simcoe Manor LTC

This follows last Friday’s order by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit directing RVH to oversee infection control response to the outbreak which was declared October 2nd.
A 'Covid' charge laid in Adjala-Tosorontio after party at a rental place

the Nottawasaga OPP responded to a noise complaint and report of a large gathering of people at an address of a short-term rental property on Concession 4 in Adjala-Tosorontio.
RVH Covid test site closes, all operations moving to Sperling Dr.

As of Thursday, October 1, the COVID test clinic at RVH will close, with all drive-thru testing, including booked appointments, being done at the Sperling location.
GBGH eases visitor restrictions

This is an increase from one visitor per patient per day. Inpatient visits will also no longer need to be booked in advance during specific blocks of time.
Mid-Pen Transit resumes schedules, fares as of today

Mid-Pen Transit Service to resume regular schedule and collecting fares. With safety protocols in place and options for fare payments now available, on Monday, August 24, Mid-Pen Transit Service will resume its regular schedule and begin collecting fares from transit ride.
County clothing and electronics collections cancelled

The special collections were set to occur between August 31 and September 25. (On June 23, Council voted to postpone clothing collection from its original June date)
Want to go back to College? Georgian can get you started
Barrie's RVH joins global Covid-19 study

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie is one of nearly 40 health centres across Canada selected to participate in a clinical trial to examine potential therapies for COVID-19
YMCA blaming Covid-19 for closing three local fitness centres

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is closing three of its fitness centres. The organization blames financial limitations due to the Covid-19 pandemic for the closures in Barrie, Orillia and Parry Sound.Y fitness centres in the other five local communities are expected to re-open in the coming months.
Orillia to extend free transit, but no more free ride on taxes

The financial impact of COVID-19 on the City of Orillia is in the millions. In order to be financially responsible to all taxpayers, we have to start re-introducing fees as we return to the new normal,” said Mayor Steve Clarke.
Free ride over in Barrie. Transit fares coming back this weekend

Barrie Transit was free from March 20 as riders boarded the bus from the back doors to allow for minimal contact between riders and drivers.
Illegally parked cars in Tiny beach areas could be towed

In an effort to curb overcrowding at area beaches, including Balm Beach, the Township of Tiny has introduced new towing protocols for vehicles that are parked illegally.
Springwater Township re-opens office to public

The Township of Springwater Administration Centre will officially reopen to the public on Monday, July 27, 2020. The Administration Centre was initially closed to the public on March 16 in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic
Severn Township offering more in person services

The Township of Severn Administration Office at 1024 Hurlwood Lane will reopen for in-person services on July 27. Residents can call 705-325-2315 or email staff to book an appointment on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Orillia Farmers Market to re-open downtown
"Essential" visitors permitted at Orillia's hospital

Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) has slightly modified its COVID-19 visiting policy to accommodate a limited number of ‘essential’ visitors in most areas of the hospital, but many pandemic precautions remain in place
Penetanguishene to re-open town hall facilities

In line with provincial reopening’s, The Town of Penetanguishene will be reopening Town Hall, the Public Works Administration Building and the Penetanguishene Fire Hall to the public Monday, July 27th.
No doubt about mask policy in Orillia
Face masks to become 'mandatory' in Simcoe-Muskoka as of Monday

Today, Dr. Gardner, Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer, issued instructions to ensure the mandatory use of non-medical masks or face coverings within most public and enclosed indoor spaces.
Town of Midland extends Covid measures, free transit

the Town of Midland is extending the closure of Town facilities and temporary transit changes until at least July 15, 2020.