We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation and are taking immediate precautions to reduce non-essential visits to the health centre, ensure patients, staff and the broader community are safe, and preserve vital medical supplies and equipment. 

Click here for more information

COVID-19 unit outbreak update

RVH, in collaboration with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, has declared COVID-19 outbreaks on two units - Integrated Stroke and Rehabilitation inpatient (declared on January 9, 2021) and Transitional Care Unit (declared on January 18, 2021).

All patients on the units, as well as any potential exposures, have been swab tested and are being closely monitored for any symptoms. RVH has implemented its Outbreak Management protocols which includes: enhanced infection control practices and education, deep cleaning of rooms and high-touch spaces, heightened surveillance and frequent communication to patients.

If at any time you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, book an appointment to be tested at RVH’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre on Sperling Drive. The instructions are listed below.

Book an appointment

COVID-19 Immunization Clinic (by appointment only)

The Simcoe Muskoka COVID-19 Immunization Clinic is located at 29 Sperling Drive in Barrie and is a partnership between RVH, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and City of Barrie.

The clinic, one of the busiest in Ontario, is currently focused on immunizing priority groups identified by the provincial government and vaccines are administered by invitation and appointment only. At this time the clinic is not open to the general public.

Total vaccines administered to-date: 12,885*
*as of: 01/17/2021

Status Update

COVID-19 Symptoms

RVH COVID-19 Testing Centres

COVID-19 Assessment Centres

RVH COVID-19, Cold and Flu Clinic (Appointments required)

29 Sperling Drive, Barrie
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Call 705-797-3120, option 4
Click here for more information

Barrie & Community Family Medicine Clinic

Prince William – Shoppers Drug Mart plaza
829 Big Bay Point Road, Barrie, Unit D12
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
You can call ahead for an appointment at 705-722-1199

Barrie COVID-19 Assessment Centre 

490 Huronia Rd – In the building at the rear of the complex (NOT at the Huronia Urgent Care Clinic) 
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Currently accepting same day appointments. Walk-in to book. 

For your other, non-COVID-19 related, healthcare needs: 

Call your Family Physician or Nurse Practitioner. If your healthcare provider is not available, you can:
• Call the Barrie & Community Family Medicine Walk-in Clinics at 705-722-1199 and view their hours at barriewalkinclinics.ca, 

• Call the Huronia Urgent Care Clinic at 705-792-0933 and view their hours at huroniaurgentcareclinic.com or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000

Click here to see Janice Skot's message to the community this holiday season

Simcoe Manor

Throughout the pandemic RVH has offered support to the long-term care sector, providing 19 local long-term care and retirement homes infection control and workplace safety assessments, testing and staffing.

On October 13 the Ministry of Long-Term Care issued a Mandatory Management Order appointing RVH to temporarily manage Simcoe Manor, in Beeton, for 90 days to assist with a serious COVID-19 outbreak. A detailed management contract and action plan has been developed and RVH is working in in partnership with the County of Simcoe to provide support and oversight to ensure the safety of the home's residents and staff.

The County of Simcoe, which operates the home, continues to provide day-to-day care to the home's residents. 

The COVID-19 outbreak at the Simcoe Manor long-term care home in Beeton has been declared over by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Click here to read more

Important safety information for patients and visitors:

Anyone exhibiting the following signs or symptoms will not be permitted inside the health centre:

·         •  Fever, cough, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
•  Anyone who is known or suspected COVID-19 positive and has not been cleared by Public Health.
•  Anyone who is a contact of a known COVID-19 positive individual.
•  Has travelled in the past 14 days outside of Canada

•  Click here for more visitor information
•  Click here to download the Visitor Information Sheet

RVH has implemented many protocols to ensure safety during this time, including: 

• All patients and visitors will be screened at the Main, Simcoe and Emergency department entrances
• Patients with an acute respiratory infection who recently travelled or have been in contact with a person who has travelled triggers additional screening at registration and if required, are placed on appropriate precautions
• Infection Prevention and Control protocols and procedures are robust with ongoing training and support
• Exceptions to visitor restrictions will be based on clinical judgement and compassionate grounds
• One rooming-in support person per obstetric patient and paediatric patient will be permitted to stay the night with their partner/child
• Enhanced cleaning in busy, high-touch areas
• In an abundance of caution, RVH has restricted all work-related travel outside Canada
• Large meetings and gatherings over 10 people are restricted

Keeping yourself and your family safe

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Avoid close contact with others
• Avoid shaking hands
• If you are concerned about your symptoms or have travelled outside of the country, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• For reliable, up-to-date information, visit the following websites:

·         • Ministry of Health

·         • Public Health Ontario

·         • Government of Canada

·         • Travel Advisories

·         • World Health Organization

What You Need to Know

What is a coronavirus?

A coronavirus typically causes symptoms that are similar to those of the common cold, however, it can also cause more severe illness including pneumonia and death. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus was a type of coronavirus. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain previously not identified in humans.

What are the symptoms?

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Symptoms may also include muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, loss of sense of smell or taste, nausea, diarrhea and stomach pains. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. 

In Seniors symptoms can also include chills, delirium with no other obvious reason, falls, acute functional decline, increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure.

How is a case confirmed?

The only way to confirm this new coronavirus is with a lab test. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms of the virus may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 after exposure.

How can it be prevented?

Everyday preventive actions can help to stop the spread of this coronavirus, in fact, any respiratory virus:

● Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
● Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick
● Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
● Stay home if you are sick

What specifically is RVH doing?

RVH has implemented a number of protocols. In addition to continuous surveillance we have:

● Enhanced screening measures: All patients and visitors are screened at entrances. This includes questions about flu-like symptoms, cough and travel within the past two weeks. Patients with a travel history, or those who have had contact with anyone who travelled to impacted areas and is unwell, will trigger additional screening, protection and care in a negative pressure room. 

● Patients with symptoms will be masked and cared for by staff wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including contact and droplet precautions.

● We have updated signage at our entrances and are asking patients and visitors to follow the instructions. 

● There is also a recorded message when you call RVH's telephone numbers.

● We have implemented more frequent and enhanced cleaning in our busy areas.

● RVH is in frequent contact with public health and is participating in a regional committee to ensure preparedness.

What will happen if a patient with the virus comes to RVH?

Through our rigorous screening process, the patient will be identified, required to put on a mask, potentially isolated and cared for by a team wearing appropriate protective equipment. RVH will follow the public health guidelines for treatment. RVH is well prepared. We have a very detailed, up-to-date Pandemic Plan based on lessons learned from our experience during SARS 17 years ago, H1N1 in 2009 and, more recently, Ebola preparedness.