COVID-19 Assessment Resources
Ontario Ministry of Health Self-Assessment Tool
If you think you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine how to seek further care.
MOH: Self-Assessment Tool
Assistance Accessing Essential Supplies
211 Ontario
211 Ontario can help you find grocery stores and pharmacies that are open and offering delivery service, as well as programs and services in your community that may be helpful to you during these trying times.
211: Grocery and Pharmaceutical Delivery Options
Farm2Door - Online Farmer's Market
Farm2Door is a local food delivery service, sprouted out of an entrepreneurial collaboration in North Simcoe. Delivery is available in the municipalities of Tiny, Penetanguishene, Midland and Tay.
Farm2Door.ca
Ontario Community Support Association
The Ontario Community Support Association is helping isolated, low-income seniors and people with disabilities and chronic conditions across Ontario get meals, groceries, medicine and other essentials to stay safe at home during COVID-19.
www.ontariocommunitysupport.ca
Community Engagement
Chigamik Community Health Centre
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chigamik is offering online programs, and virtual counselling and traditional healing sessions - open to everyone in the community. Visit their website or follow them on Facebook for more information.
Chigamik Website
Chigamik Facebook
County of Simcoe's Letters to Seniors: Pen Pal Program
The County of Simcoe's Long-Term Care and Seniors Services is launching Letters to Seniors, a Pen Pal Program to encourage school-aged children to write to and connect with residents.
Letters to Seniors: Pen Pal Program
FoTTSA's / Tiny Cottager's #StayHome Activities
The Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations (FoTTSA) is encouraging residents to stay home and stay healthy. Visit their #StayHome webpage for a list of activities and resources to keep you entertained and active at home.
FoTTSA: #StayHome Activities
Midland Public Library (MPL)
If you're looking for ways to keep busy during the COVID-19 pandemic, check out the online resources available through the Midland Public Library. Follow the MPL on Facebook and Twitter to join in their online activities and contests.
Midland Public Library Website
Midland Public Library Facebook
Midland Public Library Twitter
Financial Support
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn more about Canada's Economic Response Plan on their website.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the CERB may provide you with temporary income support. This benefit is being offered through the Government of Canada. Please visit the CERB website for more information.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Ontario's Support for Families
While schools and child care centres are closed, parents can apply for direct funding from the Government of Ontario to offset the cost of buying materials to support their children’s learning, while they practice self-isolation and physical distancing. Please visit the Government of Ontario's website (www.ontario.ca/supportforfamilies) for more information.
Government of Ontario: Support for Families
How You Can Help
Food Banks in Midland, Penetanguishene & Area - Donations
Find a list of local food banks at the link below. The needs at each food bank may vary. Please contact the food bank directly to find out how you can help.
Food Banks in Midland, Penetanguishene & Area
Food Banks Canada - Donations
Providing food to those in need can be difficult at the best of times. With COVID-19, that task just got harder. Yet food banks continue to be leaders in their communities in providing food to those that live with food insecurity. Food Banks Canada is currently accepting donations to support food banks' coronavirus response efforts across Canada. Canadians wishing to help can donate through the Food Banks Canada website.
Donations to Food Banks Canada
Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) - Donations
Help GBGH tackle COVID-19 with support for their most urgent critical needs. You will give the hospital the ability to address the changing circumstances and priorities during these challenging times. Visit their website for a list of ways you can help.
Donations to GBGH
Huronia Community Foundation (HCF) COVID-19 Community Response Fund - Donations
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the HCF has created the HCF COVID-19 Community Response Fund. This fund will support the work of our community organizations who are at the forefront of this issue and who are collectively striving to ensure our most vulnerable citizens are safe and healthy. The funds collected will stay here in the North Simcoe area and go directly to the groups and organizations that require more support during this time.
HCF COVID-19 Community Response Fund
PPE (personal protective equipment) and Supplies Donations
Any businesses or community members looking to donate items can email EmergencyManagement@smdhu.org. Information about how and where to send donations is available at www.smdhu.org/donations. All donations received will be collected in central depots in Simcoe and Muskoka and will be issued to local health care providers in order of priority, as determined by the Province of Ontario.
The donation campaign for existing PPE within our communities is proving vital for the ongoing provision of front line health care services in Simcoe and Muskoka during the COVID-19 pandemic. View the Joint Release to learn more.
United Way Simcoe Muskoka
United Way Simcoe Muskoka is accepting donations to assist local community members in meeting their basic needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This could be as simple as help buying groceries, restocking essential supplies or financial assistance after an unexpected job change.
Donations to United Way Simcoe Muskoka
Mental Health
Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
The MHCC leads the development and dissemination of innovative programs and tools to support the mental health and wellness of Canadians. The MHCC has launched a webpage to help you manage your mental health, work from home, and deal with social isolation during COVID-19.
MHCC: Resource Hub for Mental Health and Wellness
With guidance from Dr. Keith Dobson, clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Calgary, the MHCC has compiled a list of tips to help Canadians protect their mental health as they strive to safeguard their physical well-being and that of their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MHCC: Choosing sources of information carefully is critical to COVID-19 mental well-being
Telecare Distress Line of Greater Simcoe
If you are feeling worried, overwhelmed, lonely or isolated, or just need someone to talk to, call the Telecare Distress Line. The Telecare Distress Line is a free distress phone line serving Simcoe County and area. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is anonymous and confidential. Specially trained volunteers listen without judgment while acknowledging and supporting the caller. If necessary, community referrals are offered for extra support.
Call them at 705-325-9534 or 705-726-7922, or visit www.telecaredistressline.com.
Waypoint - COVID Frontline Wellness
Waypoint Centre for Mental Health is offering regional Mental Health and Addictions Support for health care workers, care providers and first responders affected by COVID-19.
COVID Frontline Wellness (EN)
COVID Frontline Wellness (FR)
Wellness Together Canada
The Government of Canada has launched the Wellness Together portal, an initiative that provides e-mental health supports and access to virtual counselling services to everyone in Canada. Wellness Together Canada provides free online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed.
www.wellnesstogether.ca