
Feeling Unwell?
Testing for COVID-19 in Haliburton County
In response to the highly transmissible Omicron variant, Ontario updated its testing guidelines to ensure those living and working in the highest risk settings have access to timely testing, protecting the most vulnerable and helping to keep critical services running.
To be eligible for a PCR test at the Haliburton County COVID-19 Assessment Centre, you must have COVID-19 symptoms (click here to download a list of symptoms) and meet the following criteria (click here for the full list.)
If you meet the criteria, you can call the Haliburton County COVID-19 Community Assessment Centre at 705-457-1212 (press 6) during regular business hours. Testing is by appointment only.
PLEASE NOTE: if your symptoms are severe, call 911 and alert the dispatcher to your symptoms.
COVID-19 Assessments and Guidance in Haliburton County
If you do not meet the criteria, but have questions about isolation or want a doctor to assess your symptoms (but don't need to visit the emergency department), you can also call the Haliburton County COVID-19 Community Assessment Centre at 705-457-1212 (press 6) during regular business hours.
After a phone intake, individuals will be either provided phone counselling, or booked with a nurse, or Physician Assistant/Doctor as needed based on their situation and need for testing and/or assessment only.
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.
If you would like to take the COVID-19 online self-assessment, please visit ontario.ca/coronavirus
What To Do If You Have Been Exposed to COVID or Have Symptoms
Due to the high levels of circulation of the Omicron variant across Ontario at this time and the limited testing capacity, individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 are to assume their symptoms are COVID and isolate accordingly. This guidance, along with guidance if you have been exposed to COVID-19, can be found online at covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment.
Questions about isolation, for those who have been exposed or who have symptoms, can be answered by calling the Haliburton County COVID-19 Assessment Centre. Alternatively, if you work in a high-risk setting, the HKPR District Health Unit will be able to answer questions.

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, efforts continue to be 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.
The Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team continues to provide regular care to rostered patients, with some changes to how care is delivered:
- There are no walk-ins at this time. Rostered patients should call the office to book an appointment.
- 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
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.
Both Life Labs facilities in Haliburton County require appointments in advance. Face masks are mandatory. 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
Community 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.
SIRCH Community Services is offering 'Lunch is On Us', a free, hot take-out lunch every Wednesday from 11:30 AM - 2 PM at 49 Maple Avenue in Haliburton, while supplies last.
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 and the Diner's Club have been temporarily cancelled.
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.
- Todd’s Independent (Haliburton)
- 705-455-9775
- Haliburton Foodland
- 705-457-2242
- Minden Dollo’s Foodland
- 705-286-1121
- Wilberforce Foodland
- 705-448-2811
- Haliburton Supplements and Bulk Food
- 705-457-1456
- Agnew’s General Store
- 705-448-2211
- Abbey Gardens
- 705-754-4769
- Eagle Lake Country Market
- 705-754-2538
- Minden Easton’s Valu-Mart
- 705-286-6032
- West Guilford Shopping Centre
- 705-754-2162
HHHS - Community Support Services
The Community Support Services Response Team was activated in early March 2020 to ensure our community needs are met during this time, and continues to operate today (as of February 2022). While some CSS programs have been paused or have moved online, services still available include:
- 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
- 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
Do you know of any Children, Youth or Families in Haliburton County who are in need of phone or internet? Call Point in Time at 705-457-5345 ext. 301 for details.
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
EarlyON Child and Family Centres continues to offer weekly programs, activities, and resources for families, caregivers, and their children (ages birth to 6) online. Please check their Facebook page or visit www.oeyc.ca for up-to-date information on all programs, or call them at 705-324-7900.
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, their Facebook page or the Facebook page for the Haliburton County Youth Hub, 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 heatbank@centralfoodnetwork.org.
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.
Canopy 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.
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.
As of December 26, 2020, the Haliburton County Public Library is offering curbside service at all branches during operating hours (click here for a listing of hours and instructions) and online programs through Facebook and on YouTube. The Administration Centre remains closed to the public, but can still be reached at 705-457-2241 or info@haliburtonlibrary.ca.
The Pregnancy Care & Family Support Centre remains open, with COVID screenings done by calling/texting 705-457-4673 or emailing hope@haliburtonpregnancycentre.ca. Their Clothes Closet is fully stocked with sizes newborn to 3, and they carry diapers in all sizes as well as formula. When available, items such as cribs, strollers, high chairs, play pens, exersaucers, bouncy seats are also offered.
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.
- Holness Yoga - Online classes, with proceeds being donated to HHHS (plus a free breathing exercise available to download)
- Keep Moving With Jane - Balance training & exercises for older adults.
- Music From Home - Acoustic music from artists near & far.
- Haliburton Folk Online - Live streaming concerts of local artists, hosted by the Haliburton County Folk Society.
- Activities for All Ages - Online programming from the Haliburton County Public Library.
- Haliburton Yoga - Online yoga and meditation practice from Lynda Shadbolt.
- Virtual Balanced Fitness - Combining gentle seated and standing strength, balance, and light aerobic exercise for older adults from HHHS - Community Support Services.
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.

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.
Online Mental Health Support
The Government of Canada 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 TogetherAll, an online peer-to-peer support community for your mental health. Visit togetherall.com.
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.
For the Frontlines is a fast, free, text-based crisis counseling service available 24/7 for health care professionals and essential workers. If you need support to deal with the feelings of anxiety, stress, fear, isolation, or other difficult emotions you are experiencing during COVID-19, access support by texting FRONTLINES to 741741.
CAMH 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 Hospital Association has also created a list of easily accessible mental health resources for health care workers and other critical support staff. Visit their website here.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
- Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team
- HHHS Emergency Departments
- Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit
- Telehealth Ontario
- Health Canada
Other Regional Health Partners
- Central East Home and Community Care (formerly CCAC)
- Paramedic Services - Haliburton County
- Point In Time - Centre for Children, Youth and Parents
- SIRCH
- YWCA
- Midwives of Haliburton - Bancroft
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
- Haliburton County (705-286-1333)
- Algonquin Highlands (705-489-2379)
- Dysart et Al (705-457-1740)
- Highlands East (705-448-1027)
- Minden Hills (705-286-1260)
News & Media Releases
Click to visit the COVID-19 news page on the HHHS website.

How Can You Help?
Support 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.
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
The following unused/unopened equipment can be donated and will be gratefully accepted* by HHHS:
- 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
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!