Haliburton Highlands

COVID-19 Response

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FeelingUnwell

Feeling Unwell?

Caring father touching forehead of sick kid daughter lying on couch

If you are a resident of Haliburton County and you meet one of the criteria below, you can get tested for COVID-19:

  1. If you have at least one symptom of COVID-19 (click here for a list of symptoms)
    OR
  2. If you are concerned you've been exposed to COVID-19 because you have been in contact with a confirmed or suspected case,
    OR
  3. If you are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 because of your employment, including essential workers (e.g. health care workers, grocery stores employees, other front-line workers.)

If you meet any one of these criteria, call the Haliburton County COVID-19 Community Assessment Centre at 705-457-1212 (press 6) during regular business hours or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 to book an appointment for testing.

PLEASE NOTE: if your symptoms are severe, call 911 and alert the dispatcher to your symptoms.

The Haliburton County COVID-19 Community Assessment Centre is staffed by health care providers who will complete a phone assessment and advise as to appropriate next steps, which may include self-monitoring instructions, self-isolation instructions, or further assessment and testing in the drive-through facility. The Centre is for all residents of Haliburton County, regardless of whether you have a family doctor.

Testing is by appointment only, however no Ontarian who is symptomatic or who is concerned they have been exposed to COVID-19 will be declined a test at an Assessment Centre.

If you would like to take the COVID-19 online self-assessment, please visit ontario.ca/coronavirus

How to Access Care

Accessing Regular Care

In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately. If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever), alert the dispatcher to your symptoms.

Across Ontario, all efforts are being made to avoid unnecessary visits to Emergency Departments - please contact your Primary Care Provider (i.e. your family Physician, Nurse Practitioner, or Family Health Team) to discuss non-emergency health concerns.

As of May 13, 2020, HHHS has updating its guidance to Haliburton County residents about access to emergency and urgent care at its facilities in Haliburton and Minden. The Haliburton Emergency Department is now open to accept all emergency and urgent care needs, including for those who have COVID-19 symptoms. The Minden Emergency Department remains open to accept all emergency and urgent care needs, but those with COVID-19 symptoms should expect to be re-directed to the Haliburton Emergency Department.

The Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team continues to provide regular care to rostered patients, with some changes to how care is delivered:

  • Everyone who attends the Haliburton Family Medical Centre is screened before entering the clinic.
  • Many appointments are being conducted by phone and only urgent/necessary appointments are being conducted in the clinic.
  • Non-urgent appointments are being deferred.
  • Non-urgent Emergency Department patients are being directed to the clinic for treatment if and when the ER is busy.
  • Social Workers and Dietitians are working full-time to support the community with phone visits - book directly as needed
  • Chiropody remains available for urgent assessments, and phone when applicable (including for non-rostered patients)

If you have any questions, please call and speak to the HHFHT nurses or physicians as needed. Contact the Family Health Team by calling 705-457-1212, by email at admin@hhfht.com or by visiting hhfht.com

Doctor consults by phone

Midwifery Services of Haliburton-Bancroft continue to provide care, with some changes to how care is delivered:

  • Clients should expect a phone call before any scheduled visits
  • Clients should expect that the frequency of visits may change
  • Clients can contact your midwives by pager for any urgent concerns.

Contact Midwifery Services by calling 705-457-9992, by email at admin@haliburtonbancroftmidwives.ca, or by visiting haliburtonbancroftmidwives.ca.

Life Labs in Haliburton is open Monday to Friday, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM (but closes the second Friday of each month at 1 PM) and Life Labs in Minden is open Monday to Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Life Labs can be contacted at 1-877-849-3637 or by visiting lifelabs.com.

Support in the Community

Support in the Community


Colorful organic vegetables in green eco shopping bag - captured from aboveCommunity Support Services

We are here to help you find the support you need - whether it is a service we provide, another agency provides, or to help you problem-solve. See more information about our services below, and contact us by phone at 705-457-2941 or by text at 705-457-0016 (Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) or anytime at infocc@hhhs.ca.

Access to Food

Food Banks & Free Frozen Meals

All Haliburton County food banks (Central Food Network, Minden Food Bank, and Haliburton 4C's Food Bank) are open and can assist anyone who is in need of emergency food - you do not need to be an existing client. Pre-packed boxes of food are being made up and placed outside the door for people to pick-up to minimize contact between people.

Monday - Friday
Download the Haliburton County FoodNet “Food for All” brochure to find free and low cost food in our County, and to get in touch with our local food banks. Please note that some food programs such as community suppers, the Diner's Club and Lunch is on Us, have been temporarily cancelled.

Saturday & Sunday
SIRCH Community Services is providing free frozen meal pick-ups on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SIRCH Central, 2 Victoria Street, Haliburton (next to the laundromat).

Grocery Gift Cards for Youth & Families with Children

Point in Time, in partnership with Food 4 Kids and other funders, is providing gift cards for groceries and gas, as well as phone cards and a limited number of refurbished phones for  youth and families with children in need. Call 705-457-5345, text 705-306-5199, or email info@pointintime.ca.

Local Grocery Stores

Local stores are implementing safety precautions and some are offering online or phone orders for pick-up or delivery. Store hours may have changed, and some stores have created senior shopping hours. Contact your local store directly for more information.

If grocery delivery is required outside regular areas, HHHS Community Support Services can help (contact them at 705-457-2941, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, or infocc@hhhs.ca).

HHHS - Community Support Services

On March 17, 2020, the Community Support Services Response Team was activated to ensure our community needs are met during this time. While many CSS programs have been suspended, services still available include:

  • Connecting you with volunteers for pick-up and delivery of essentials like groceries, prescriptions, and pet food so you do not need to leave your home
  • Arranging for frozen Meals on Wheels to be delivered to your home
  • Medical transportation - non-urgent transportation for medical appointments continues to be provided through our volunteer driving program. Please provide as much advance notice as possible when requesting a trip.
  • The Emergency Response System - providing personal buttons to alert emergency contacts (and EMS if necessary) if a client is in distress
  • Friendly Visiting & Security Checks - can be done daily via phone or as requested/required by clients and caregivers, and the CSS team is exploring options to provide virtual connections to reduce social isolation
  • NEW! Virtual Balanced Fitness classes combining gentle seated and standing strength, balance, and light aerobic exercise for older adults. Click here to visit the YouTube page for videos.
  • All program teams (such as Mental Health, GAIN, Diabetes Education, Supportive Housing, and Hospice Palliative Care) continue to intake and support clients.

Contact HHHS - CSS by phone 705-457-2941 or by text at 705-457-0016 (Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), or by email at infocc@hhhs.ca anytime.

Getting Connected in Haliburton County

Access to Free WiFi

There are a number of free wireless internet hotspots throughout the County of Haliburton. Residents are asked to continue practicing safe physical distancing. Click on the municipality name below to download a list of locations:

Access to Internet-Capable Devices

Point in Time has a number of new and refurbished phones, and can also provide phone cards for distribution for families and youth 25 and under. Text or email info@pointintime.ca, or call 705-457-5345.

Access to the Internet

People receiving financial help through Social Services might be able to get help with their internet costs. If having an internet connection would help you follow through in your employment plan, your Caseworker might be able to help with that cost. To find out more, contact your Caseworker at Social Services.

Need Support to Get Connected?

Contact HHHS - Community Support Services to let us know if you are in need of technology, internet access, or training in order to get online and connected. Contact us by phone at 705-457-2941 or by text at 705-457-0016 (Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) or anytime at infocc@hhhs.ca.

Other Local Support Services

Point in Time is continuing to provide parenting support, Infant and Child Development, Resource Teachers, youth justice and additional supports to children, youth and parents. Visit pointintime.ca, or contact them at 705-457-5345 or info@pointintime.ca

A Place Called Home has closed their office to the public, but continues to operate their shelter and some outreach activities. If you are experiencing homelessness or are working with individuals experiencing homelessness, contact A Place Called Home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 705-328-0905.  You can also email info@apch.ca for more information.

Heat Bank Haliburton County is still operating with services available by phone, text, and email. Wood deliveries are occurring, but recipients are asked to remain in their houses while volunteers unload the wood. Contact Tina Jackson at 705-306-0565 or heatbankhc@gmail.com.

The YWCA’s Women’s Centre of Haliburton County is closed to the public, but support appointments continue to be available by phone at 705-286-1942 and HERS (Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace) remains open. Confidential crisis and supportive assistance is also available by phone or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reached at: 1-800-461-7656 or by text at 705-991-0110. Call or text if you are concerned about your safety and your children's safety, are ready to leave and wonder if there is a safe place to go, would like to find out more so you can refer a friend or family member, or if you would like to speak to someone about your options.

The John Howard Society of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton has closed their offices, but are available by phone (leave a message and it will be returned) at 705-328-0472 ext. 931 or by email at lpowers@jhscklh.on.ca.

The Community Legal Clinic - Simcoe, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes is operating. If you are not already a client, please contact intake staff at 1-800-461-8953, ext. 34. Current clients can contact Lisa Loader, Staff Lawyer by calling or texting 705-879-3610 or by email at loaderl@lao.on.ca.

Community Living Trent Highlands has closed all outreach programs, including family support services, in Lindsay, Haliburton & Peterborough until further notice. Local families can contact Tim Tofflemire at 705-455-2995, by text at the same number, or by email at ttofflemire@clth.ca.

The Brain Injury Association is supporting clients remotely by phone, text, and email, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Voicemail is being monitored at 705-741-1172.

Tri-County Community Support Services are available by phone or text. Contact them at 1-888-616-3456 for more information, or if you are receiving Adult Protective Services, reach out to your Adult Protective Service Worker (APSW) via phone, text or email.

The Trillium Lakelands District School Board has closed all elementary and secondary schools until further notice. Students who are in touch with their teachers and can access work on Google Drive can continue to do so. The Ministry of Education is also providing resources to help students and parents learn from home during these closures.

Fleming College Academic Upgrading locations are closed, but services are continuing as best as possible. Students or potential students can call 705-457-4562, text 705-243-3136, or email marion.willemsen@flemingcollege.ca.

The Fleming CREW Employment Centre office at 49 Maple Ave, Haliburton is currently closed, but Employment & Training Consultants are helping job seekers and employers remotely Monday to Friday, between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Contact them to schedule an appointment by phone at 705-457-2020, by text at 705-243-3136, or by email at flemingcrew@flemingcollege.ca.

Canadian Hearing Services is providing virtual services by phone, email, or through the Ontario Telemedicine Network for the Deaf and hard of hearing, including mental health counselling, employment services, hearing care counselling, and general support. Contact them at 1-866-518-0000 or for TTY, at 1-877-215-9530.

Kawartha Haliburton Children's Aid Society has closed their Haliburton and Lindsay offices, but staff continue to deliver services and remain focused on ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of children and youth as well as strengthening families. Face-to-face contact is being limited, but if required, screening questions will be asked in advance of any meeting with a child, youth, or family. Contact them 24/7 at 1-800-661-2843.

Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lake, Northumberland, Haliburton is offering supports online and through the phone or by email. All staff are working remotely, and phone messages will be responded to within 2 business days. Contact them at 1-800-765-0515 or by email at info@alzheimerjourney.ca. For their #TogetherApart Club and Happy Hour Social Programs, click here to download the May calendar, which includes links to join the fun with Zoom.

All physical service points of the Haliburton County Public Library are closed to the public at this time. The library is still offering extensive collections, resources, and programming online. Email and phones are being monitored - leave a message and someone will get back to you. Call 705-457-2242 or email info@haliburtonlibrary.ca.

Local Wellness Resources

While practicing physical distancing, it's important to stay active and socially connected. Here are some additional local resources developed to help Haliburton County residents manage their well-being during this time.

Other Local Volunteer Supports

Neighbours Helping Neighbours is a volunteer COVID-19 support network offering support throughout Haliburton County. Over 25 eager volunteers can assist with outdoor chores (lifting heavy items, raking, piling wood), pick-up and delivery (shopping, mail, takeout food, or food from local organizations), and phone or email check-ins. For more information, contact bonnieroe08@gmail.com or call 705-286-2414.

MentalSupport

Mental Health

As news of COVID-19 continues to circulate, it is natural to experience periods of stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, frustration, helplessness, isolation, difficulty sleeping or concentration, or physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, upset stomach, or low energy. There are many resources available to support your mental health during this time.

Immediate Crisis Support

If you are over 16 years of age and need immediate crisis support, contact the Four Counties Crisis 24-hour, free, confidential Crisis Line at 1-866-995-9933 or 705-745-6484.

If you are under 18 years of age, and need support Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, contact Point in Time at 705-457-5345 and press 8 - wait a minute while your call is connected to a live voice.

If you are under 18 years of age, and need support outside regular business hours, contact Kids Help Phone by calling 1-800-668-6868, or by texting CONNECT to 686868.

Local Mental Health Support

HHHS - Mental Health Services continue to provide services and support to anyone over 16 years of age in our local community. Contact them by calling 705-286-4575 or texting 705-455-7453, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Services include crisis intervention, counselling and treatment, Intensive Case Management, Early Intervention (14-35 years), support within housing, and skill & housing retention.

Point in Time Centre for Children, Youth, and Parents continues to provide support to anyone under 18 years of age. Contact them at 705-457-5345 and press 8 - wait a minute while your call is connected to a live voice, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM . Services include crisis support, quick access clinics, ongoing service and support for people who have not accessed Point in Time services before.

The Haliburton County Youth Wellness Hub can be contacted at 705-306-5199 (text or call), Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. If you are a youth in need of a phone card or the use of a refurbished cell phone during this crisis, call the main Point in Time number or text the Youth Hub as there is a limited supply available for distribution.

Canadian Mental Health Association - Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge is providing many of their services in alternative formats. Click here to find out more or call 1-888-454-8875 for any other inquiries.

Close-up portrait of a thoughtful unhappy teenage boy with smartphone, outdoors.

Online Mental Health Support

The Government of Canada has launched Wellness Together Canada, an online portal that provides tools and resources for mental health and substance use supports.

Click here to download some helpful quick tips on managing your mental health, with specific tips for kids and older adults. For a more in-depth read, check out these recommendations from Jerome Perera, Psychiatrist from North York General Hospital.

Anyone who would like online support can also join Big White Wall, an online peer-to-peer support community for your mental health. Visit bigwhitewall.ca.

Support for Health Care Workers

HHHS is offering an anonymous support line for any local health care workers to access by phone. The Confidential Support Line will function Monday to Friday, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and can be reached by calling 705-457-1392 ext. 3403. The support line will be run out of the GAIN Office in Minden and supported by Suzanne Vanstone, BSW, RSW.

CMHA has created a dedicated page of mental health supports and resources for health care workers. Visit camh.ca/covid19HCW

Ontario Shores has created the Health Care Worker Assist service to provide virtual care to support health care workers who may be at risk of developing increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Click here to download a PDF with more information or access this service through Ontario Shores Central Intake (1-877-767-9642), their toll-free crisis line (1-800-263-2679), or via their centralized referral form available at www.ontarioshores.ca/hcwassist.

The Ontario COVID-19 Mental Health Network (a volunteer group of mental-health professionals) is also facilitating mental health services for healthcare workers impacted by COVID-19. Visit covid19therapists.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

NewsResources

Resources

Immediate Health Assessment and Care

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, take a self-assessment online here.

Other Regional Health Partners

Food Banks

HHHS - Community Support Services

CSS can provide the services below, but they can also help you navigate and connect with other service providers in our community.  Contact them by phone at 705-457-2941 or by text at 705-457-0016 (Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), or by email at infocc@hhhs.ca anytime.

Services include:

  • Meals on Wheels
  • Emergency Response System
  • Friendly visiting, security checks  (via phone or as requested/required by clients and caregivers)
  • All program teams (Mental Health, GAIN, Diabetes, Supportive Housing, Hospice Palliative Care) continue to intake and support clients.

Community Information

Emergency Financial Assistance

News & Media Releases:
Click to download PDFs

Help

How Can You Help?

Man in face mask and gloves delivering boxes of foodSupport Our Community Partners

Visit our Resources section to connect with one of our local community partners.

Volunteer with the HHHS Community Response Team

If you want to volunteer to help deliver groceries or offer friendly visiting by phone, please contact HHHS Community Support Services by calling 705-457-2941, by texting 705-457-0016, or by email at infocc@hhhs.ca.

Sewing for a Great Cause!

SIRCH, in collaboration with Haliburton Highlands Health Services, will be serving as a collection depot for homemade fabric face masks. HHHS currently has sufficient quantities of medical masks, but recognize that fabric masks could be a response option when other supplies have been exhausted. If you can help, please click here to visit the SIRCH website, which has more information about the process, mask specifications, and step-by-step instructions.

HHHS Needs Health Care Workers

Haliburton Highland Health Services is making an appeal to the local community for any Health Care Workers - retired, relocated, etc. - who have a skill set that can support the increasing need in the COVID-19 response. Nurses are in high demand at this time, as is anyone who has a background in personal care from a variety of settings including: home support workers/personal care attendants, dental hygienists, etc. HHHS will support the training and orientation for the skills required to support our patients and residents at this time.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the COVID-19 response, please contact Carl Carr, Human Resources Manager, HHHS at hr@hhhs.ca or by phone at 705-457-1392, extension 2254

HHHS is also recruiting for housekeeping and screener positions. Visit hhhs.ca/careers for more information.

Help Your Health Care Workers Fight COVID-19

With an impending shortage of supply of critical personal protective equipment, we are asking the community for your help in donating the following unused/unopened equipment, gratefully accepted*:

  • N95 masks (unopened boxes)
  • Other masks (duck-billed, face shield, surgical masks)
  • Gloves
  • Surgical gowns
  • Protective medical goggles

At this time, we are not able to accept any donations of food. If you have supplies to donate, please fill out the form below or call us at 705-457-1580. Thank you for your consideration of support.

Questions about other potential items for donations or other inquiries? Please email foundation@hhhs.ca

*Thank you for helping to keep HHHS’s staff and patients safe with an in-kind donation of protective equipment. We are very grateful for the support of our community. At this time, the HHHS Foundation will only issue tax receipts for monetary donations.

Help your health care workers with a donation of supplies

Health Care Worker Supplies Donation
Can you drop off/deliver to HHHS (Haliburton site)?
*proper precautions are in place for drop-off at our designated main entrance.
May we acknowledge your generosity?
We are very grateful for the support of our community. At this time, the HHHS Foundation will only issue tax receipts for monetary donations.

Show Our Haliburton Highlands Front-Line Workers You Care!

Use this form to send a message of thanks to the many health care, first responders, community support workers, and volunteers who are working tirelessly to keep our community safe – and we will get it to them!

Send a message of thanks and support to our front-line workers!

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