COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE - For Children, Youth & Families

COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE
 For Children, Youth & Families

The COVID-19 Resource Guide is based on the social determinants of health. According to
the World Health Organization, “The social determinants of health are the conditions in
which people are born, grow, live, work and age. These circumstances are shaped by
the distribution of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels.”
The Guide uses the social determinants of health to ensure that we are aware
of the needs and challenges faced by children, youth and families so we
can help address them.

 familyconnexions.ca

COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
1. INCOME SECURITY .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
 2019 TAX RETURNS ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
 *CANADA CHILD BENEFIT ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
 CANADA STUDENT LOANS ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
 *CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB) .................................................................................................................................................... 6
 *EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI) .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
 EI VS CERB GUIDE......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
 *ONTARIO WORKS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
 *SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES............................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
 *YOUTH SUPPORT FUND - CHILDREN’S AID FOUNDATION OF CANADA .................................................................................................................... 7
 *EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WORK SHARING PROGRAM ........................................................................................................................................... 7
2. FOOD SECURITY ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
 BARRIE FOOD BANK ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
 THE SHARING PLACE – ORILLIA FOOD BANK ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
 GROCERY & PHARMACEUTICAL DELIVERY OPTIONS ................................................................................................................................................... 8
 HELPING HANDS – BRADFORD FOOD BANK ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
 MANNA FOOD BANK - BRACEBRIDGE .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
 TABLE SOUP KITCHEN (HUNTSVILLE) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 9
 WEST MUSKOKA FOOD BANK ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
3. HOUSING ................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
 COUNTY SERVICES ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
 COUNTY OF SIMCOE – SOCIAL HOUSING .................................................................................................................................................................. 10
 DAVID BUSBY CENTRE – BARRIE ............................................................................................................................................................................... 10
 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY/JOYCE KOPE HOUSE ............................................................................................................................................................ 10
 LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LEAP) ............................................................................................................................................. 11
 MORTGAGE PAYMENT DEFFERAL .............................................................................................................................................................................. 11
 THE SALVATION ARMY ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
 WASTE SERVICES – SIMCOE COUNTY ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11
 WASTE SERVICES – MUSKOKA ................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
 WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S SHELTER - BARRIE ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
 YOUTH HAVEN ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
4. ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES .................................................................................................................................................. 12
 COVID 19 ASSESSMENT CENTRES .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
 COVID-19 SELF-ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE
 EXPERIENCING COVID 19 SYMPTOMS ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
 FRONTLINE COVID 19 WORKERS. .............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
 LHIN (LOCAL HEALTH INTEGRATION NETWORK) ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
 PUBLIC HEALTH .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
 ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
 VIRTUAL CARE SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
5. TRANSPORTATION .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
 LINX TRANSIT ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
6. EDUCATION ............................................................................................................................................................................. 14
 LEARNING FOR DEAD/HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 14
 ONTARIO’S LEARN AT HOME PROGRAM ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
 OTHER E-LEARNING ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
 SETTING UP A POSTIIVE HOME LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 15
7. MENTAL HEALTH/ADDICTION ................................................................................................................................................. 16
 ANXIETY CANADA ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
 CACCF ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
 CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION .............................................................................................................................................................. 16
 CARAH HOUSE – CMHA ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
 CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES OF SIMCOE COUNTY (CFSSC) ....................................................................................................................................... 17
 CRISIS TEXT LINE ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17
 FAMILY CONNEXIONS (INTERNAL CYMH SERVICES) .................................................................................................................................................. 17
 KINARK ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
 MIND YOUR MIND ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
 MT. SINAI PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM .................................................................................................................................................. 18
 NEW PATH YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES ................................................................................................................................................................ 18
 ONLINE SELF HELP SUPPORT FOR ADDICTIONS ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
 PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS – MUSKOKA....................................................................................................................................................................... 19
 RAAM MUSKOKA RAPID ACCESS ADDICTION MEDICINE ........................................................................................................................................... 19
 WES FOR YOUTH ONLINE ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
 WIRTH HATS .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
8. CHILD DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................................................................. 20
 COVID-19 SOCIAL STORIES ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
 CHILDREN’S TREATMENT NETWORK ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
 HEALTHY BABIES HEALTHY CHILDREN ....................................................................................................................................................................... 21
 FAMILY ACTIVITES ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
 DO-IT-YOURSELF IDEAS .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
 MY COVID-19 JOURNAL ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
 SCAVENGER HUNT IDEAS ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
 SUPPORTING A DISCUSSION WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH....................................................................................................................................... 27

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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE
 TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT THE PANDEMIC ........................................................................................................................................................ 27
9. SOCIAL INCLUSION .................................................................................................................................................................. 28
 BARTIMAEUS ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
 BEHAVIOURAL SPECTRUM CARE................................................................................................................................................................................ 28
10. INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ........................................................................................................................................................ 28
 BARRIE NATIVE FORENDSHIP CENTRE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 28
 BEAUSOLEIL FIRST NATION ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 28
 CHIGAMIK COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE ................................................................................................................................................................. 29
 DNAAGDAWENMAG BINNOOJIIYAG CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES TRAINING ......................................................................................................... 29
 *METIS NATION OF ONTARIO .................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
11. DISABILITY .......................................................................................................................................................................... 30
 EMPOWER SIMCOE.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
 ONTARIO AUTISM PROGRAM .................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
12. RACE ................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
13. ETHNO-CULTURAL LANGUAGE ............................................................................................................................................ 31
 COVID SOCIAL STORIES (MULTILINGUAL) .................................................................................................................................................................. 32
 CULTURAL ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 32
14. GENDER, GENDER EXPRESSION, SEXUAL DIVERSITY ............................................................................................................ 32
 GILBERT CENTRE ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 32
15. OTHER................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
 ADOPTION SUIPPORT GROUP .................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
 BARRIE COLLISION REPORTING CENTRE .................................................................................................................................................................... 32
 CHILD ADVOCACY CENTRE OF SIMCOE MUSKOKA .................................................................................................................................................... 33
 CRIMINAL CASE ADJOURNMENT DATES – OUT OF CUSTODY ACUSED ...................................................................................................................... 33
 FAMILY ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
 IMAGINATION LIBRARY .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 34
 JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH ......................................................................................................................................................................... 34
 MUSKOKA PARRY SOUND SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES (MPSSAS) ............................................................................................................................. 34
 PARENTING RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 34
 THE CANADIAN CENTRE TO END HUMAN TRAFFICKING ........................................................................................................................................... 35
 TOLERANCE FOR UNCERTAINTY: A Covid-19 WORKBOOK......................................................................................................................................... 35
 YMCA ON DEMAND FITNESS CLASSES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 35
*Funding Based Programs/Grants Available

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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE

 1. INCOME SECURITY

2019 TAX RETURNS
The Canada Revenue Agency will defer the filing due date for the 2019 tax returns of individuals, including
certain trusts.
•For individuals (other than trusts), the return filing due date will be deferred until June 1, 2020. However,
the Agency encourages individuals who expect to receive benefits under the GSTC or the Canada Child Benefit
not to delay the filing of their return to ensure their entitlements for the 2020-21 benefit year are properly
determined.
•For trusts having a taxation year ending on December 31, 2019, the return filing due date will be deferred
until May 1, 2020.

The Canada Revenue Agency will allow all taxpayers to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any
income tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020. This relief would apply
to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will
accumulate on these amounts during this period.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax.html

*CANADA CHILD BENEFIT
•Eligible recipients will receive $300 more per child with their regular May CCB payment.
•If you have previously applied for the CCB, you do not need to re-apply.
•For more information on the Canada Child Benefit such as how to apply and eligibility requirements, go to
Canada child benefit or call 1-800-387-1193.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-
overview.html

CANADA STUDENT LOANS
•To support student and apprentice loan borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of
Canada has announced its plan to pause the repayment of Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice
Loans until September 30, 2020, with no accrual of interest. Pending parliamentary approval, these measures
will become effective March 30 2020.
•Effective March 30, 2020, all student loan borrowers will automatically have their repayments suspended
until September 30, 2020. No payment will be required, and interest will not accrue during this time. Students
do not need to apply for the repayment pause.

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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE
*CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB)
This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result
of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB would cover Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking
care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for
children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. The CERB would apply to wage earners, as well
as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).
The portal for accessing the CERB would be available in early April. EI eligible Canadians who have lost their job can
continue to apply for EI here, as can Canadians applying for other EI benefits. Canadians would begin to receive their
CERB payments within 10 days of application. The CERB would be paid every four weeks and be available from March
15, 2020 until October 3, 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/introduces-canada-
emergency-response-benefit-to-help-workers-and-businesses.html

 *EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI)
Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement and is available to
eligible claimants who are unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine, to allow them time to
restore their health and return to work. Canadians quarantined can apply for Employment Insurance (EI)
sickness benefits.
If you are eligible, visit the EI sickness benefits page to apply.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness/apply.html
Important Notes:

 • The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for new claimants who are
 quarantined so they can be paid for the first week of their claim
 • People claiming EI sickness benefits due to quarantine will not have to provide a medical certificate
 • People who cannot complete their claim for EI sickness benefits due to quarantine may apply later and
 have their EI claim backdated to cover the period of delay
If you have already completed the application for EI sickness benefits whether you are sick or quarantined and
would like to have the one-week waiting period waived, call the new toll-free phone number

 • Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)
 • Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-3742
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html

 EI VS CERB GUIDE
Should I apply for EI or CERB? Attached is a guide to assist in determining which benefit to apply for.

*ONTARIO WORKS
Ontario Works have closed offices in Angus and Bradford West Gwillimbury, and hours of operation to the
public at all offices are being adjusted to 12-4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Details are located at
www.simcoe.ca/covid19.
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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE
A one time payment is available for face masks, hand sanitizer, etc. Please call 705-722-3132 ext 8607 (not
through their normal case manager).
 *SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
The Ministry of Education is providing financial support to parents to assist with the costs of educational
resources during school and childcare closures as a result of Ontario’s declared emergency to stop the spread
of COVID-19. Parents are eligible for a one-time per child payment of $200 for children aged 0-12, or $250 for
children with special needs aged 0-21. If you have already successfully applied to the Support for Parents
program and received payment through direct deposit, you are automatically eligible for the Support for
Families program. You will receive email confirmation with a reference number and the Support for Families
funding through direct deposit within the next two weeks.
https://www.iaccess.gov.on.ca/FamilyAppWeb/public/index.xhtml

 *YOUTH SUPPORT FUND - CHILDREN’S AID FOUNDATION OF CANADA
Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada is providing grants to former youth in care to help support you as you
navigate challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Update April 7, 2020 – The Youth Support Fund has
temporarily been placed on hold. From the webpage, individuals can sign up to be notified when funding
reopens.
Eligibility
Young people who have or will be aging out of the temporary or permanent care of a Canadian child welfare
agency* AND who are:
•Experiencing financial strain as a result of the COVID-19 crisis
•Aged 18 to 29 (inclusive) at the time of application
•Requests will be considered on a case by case basis if you are otherwise eligible and are 30 or over OR are
turning 18 by 31 August 2020
https://www.cafdn.org/for-youth/covid-19-youth-support-fund/#1561663270029-ccce781e-c1b1

*EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WORK SHARING PROGRAM
Provides EI benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hour as a result of developments
beyond the control of their employers, by extending the eligibility of such agreements to 76 weeks, easing
eligibility requirements, and streamlining the application process.
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html

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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE

 2. FOOD SECURITY

 BARRIE FOOD BANK
The Barrie Food Bank has closed its Morning Drop In program for the immediate future however will continue
to provide groceries during the Afternoon Grocery Program at this time. Prepackaged grocery hampers are
available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons between1:00pm and 3:30pm.
https://www.barriefoodbank.org/

THE SHARING PLACE – ORILLIA FOOD BANK
The Sharing Place Food Centre will now deliver orders due to COVID-19.

 • Existing Members - Those requesting access to an emergency food order is to contact The Sharing
 Place from 11:30 – 2:30 Monday -to- Thursday at 705-327-4273.
 • New Members – Must register at their facility. Please bring government issued ID for everyone in your
 household. Registration will occur at the north side of 95 Dufferin St.
https://sharingplaceorillia.org/

GROCERY & PHARMACEUTICAL DELIVERY OPTIONS
If you are in need of groceries and pharmaceuticals, please visit 211ontario.ca. 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.

 HELPING HANDS – BRADFORD FOOD BANK
Bradford Helping Hand Food bank continues to be open according to regular business hours, Mondays &
Wednesdays 1pm – 2pm and Fridays 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Pre-packed grocery bags only are available at this
time. http://www.bradfordfoodbank.ca/

MANNA FOOD BANK - BRACEBRIDGE
Manna Food Bank continues to be open Tuesday and Fridays 1pm- 4pm. Safety precautions are being
implemented including restricting access to the facility and bringing orders outside for pick up. Please be
prepared to wait outside while your groceries are being assembled, subject to availability.
http://mannafoodbank.ca/coronavirus-covid-19-update/

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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE
TABLE SOUP KITCHEN (HUNTSVILLE)
 • Soup Kitchen: Host churches are closed at this time. Anyone needing a takeout meal can bring a
 container/jar to the Community Kitchen at 11 Hanes St. between 5:00 and 6:30 pm Mondays and
 Thursdays
 • Food Bank: We will continue to provide food and other needed items to anyone in need during regular
 hours (posted above). However, guests will not enter the building, but rather will have a volunteer
 shop for them. Please bring own bags/boxes.
 • Exchange Store: As the ES is inside the same building as our Food Bank, we will close during this time.
 • Love Connection: Our Birthday Club will continue to offer what we are able and new signups are
 welcome. Prayer will continue . Special occasion gifts/treats are welcome to be donated and will be
 shared with guests. Music offerings at the Soup Kitchen meals are on pause. Our bulletin board where
 needs are posted or items to give away are posted will move to Facebook.
 • Men’s Hostel: Our Hostel will remain open until the end of April (and re-open mid-Sept) again this year.
 The building is once again being rented by Deerhurst for staff accommodation during summer months,
 which assists us in being able to provide this service during the rest of the year.
 • Community Kitchen: volunteers will prepare takeout meals for Soup Kitchen guests and assist with all
 aspects of food portioning and baking for Food Bank guests. Food Bank lunches will be on hold as they
 cannot be served in the FB.
 • Food Rescue: All aspects of picking up food from grocery stores, restaurants, suppliers and elsewhere
 will continue as long as food is being offered. Food will continue to be brought to the Community
 Kitchen and Food Bank and shared with guests.
 • Food Bank Garden: We are looking forward to spring planting! Volunteers are gearing up for our
 second year of planting and harvesting
 https://thetablefoundation.ca/

 WEST MUSKOKA FOOD BANK
West Muskoka Food Bank continues to operate under regular business hours. Groceries will be pre-packed in
a box and left outside the food bank to be picked up. One grocery box will be provided per family per week.
Pre-packaged boxes will contain a minimum of: fresh milk, eggs, cheese, bread, cereal, 1-4 canned items,
peanut butter, dried pasta & sauce. Unfortunately, no special food requests can be accommodated at this
time.

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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE

 3. HOUSING

COUNTY SERVICES
Simcoe County: https://www.simcoe.ca/CorporateCommunications/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
Municipal District of Muskoka is doing all business over the phone or email. Laura McIlravey mental health and
addictions counselling for Ontario Works 705-645-2412. Financial assistance is available to eligible (based on
financial hardship) families that require items (crib, stroller, diapers, food) for their children. Kasia Oxley RECE
HBSW RSW, Children's Services Community Facilitator Ph: (705) 645-2412 x4415

Muskoka: https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/Coronavirus.aspx

COUNTY OF SIMCOE – SOCIAL HOUSING
Social Housing office is closed to the public; however, staff are working remotely so we are still available by
phone/e-mail. 705-725-7215

DAVID BUSBY CENTRE – BARRIE
Daytime drop in programs have been suspended as well as no outside services attending daily
(nurses/taxes/mother care). Overnight bed program remains open. Opens at 5pm, dinner at 6pm, and
extended hours until noon in the morning. Operations have temporarily been relocated into local hotels. If
you have a question about Busby Centre services, call 705-739-6916

ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY/JOYCE KOPE HOUSE
Community beds program is still running (if beds available). Screening upon entry to clients. E. Fry youth
justice program is still operating and still taking referrals as needed. Youth workers will complete intake by
phone.
Joyce Kope House has temporarily moved the operation of our residential program to Comfort Inn, 210 Essa
Rd, Barrie. This move allows for everyone to practice social distancing and eliminates the use of congregated
spaces such as dining rooms, living rooms and shared bathroom facilities.
We will continue to accept intakes of woman experiencing homelessness and those released from both
Federal and Provincial Institutions. Please call 705-715-1052 to reach staff of Joyce Kope House when referring
a woman for shelter/hallway house services.

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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE
 LOW-INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LEAP)
Providing $9 million in direct support to families for their energy bills by expanding eligibility for the Low-
income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and ensuring that their electricity and natural gas services are not
disconnected for nonpayment during the COVID-19 outbreak.
https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/help-low-income-consumers/low-income-energy-assistance-program

MORTGAGE PAYMENT DEFFERAL
Homeowners facing financial stress may be eligible for a mortgage payment deferral up to 6 months to help
ease the financial burden. Contact your individual financial institution or lender to determine what options
may be available to you.

 THE SALVATION ARMY
The beds program is currently still running but it currently at capacity (44 beds). Lunch and dinner services are
now offering bagged meals that they take t go instead of eating in the dining hall. The front entrance is closed
to the public. Staff only are working. Bread is available for families at the front if required. 705-728-3737

 WASTE SERVICES – SIMCOE COUNTY
While landfills and transfer stations are closed to the public, the County’s curbside waste collection continues.
The efforts of our waste collection operators are appreciated more than ever during this time, and the County
is taking steps to ensure their wellbeing while continuing to offer this important service to residents.
Effective, Monday, March 23 the following adjustments to curbside waste collections will take effect:
• All green bin organic materials must be bagged, sealed and placed inside green bins. Compostable bags are
preferred; however, plastic bags* are being accepted on a temporary basis to assist residents with this change
• All garbage must be bagged and sealed properly
• Residential units may place out diapers in clear, sealed bags on their garbage day without additional bag tags
• Exercise social distancing with collection operators

*Note the County’s contracted organics processor is temporarily accepting plastic bags and will continue to
separate and divert organic materials in support of the environment. All plastic bags (clear, grocery, garbage)
will be accepted but must be sealed and placed inside green bin

 WASTE SERVICES – MUSKOKA
Effective immediately:
•all garbage, recycling, and green bin organic material must be bagged, sealed and placed securely inside bins
– do not put loose materials out for collection
•exercise physical distancing with collection operators

The following remains the same:
•all curbside bi-weekly garbage limits remain in effect
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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE
•green bin material (in urban areas only) must be put in compostable bags
•continue to sort recycling

WOMEN AND CHILDREN’S SHELTER - BARRIE
Intakes are not being accepted until April 1st, as they are currently at capacity and had an illness circulating
(not COVID19). Measures will be reassessed closer to this date. Women are still encouraged to call the crisis
line as phone support can be provided. Shelter also looking at supporting women and children in hotels if
possible. Outreach services continue via phone/email. 705-728-6300

 YOUTH HAVEN
Youth Haven emergency bed program is still running but is currently at capacity. Only current residents and
staff are able to enter the shelter at this time. Outreach services are still available however, face to face
contacts will not occur at this time. Youth Haven is accessible through phone or email to any youth. Small care
packages can be provided by drop off only. Donations of pre-packaged food and house/cleaning supplies are
being accepted, but they are unable to accept clothing or homemade meals at this time. 705-739-7616

 4. ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES

COVID 19 ASSESSMENT CENTRES
http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Promos/Novel-Coronavirus/Assessment-Centres
Current locations in Alliston, Barrie, Collingwood, Orillia
Muskoka: Two COVID-19 Assessment Centres will open in Muskoka on Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Patient
access to the Assessment Centres is by appointment only Monday through Friday, by referral from a health
care provider. The Assessment Centres are not open for walk-in visits. The centres are located in Bracebridge
at the Rotary Centre for Youth at 131 Wellington Street and in Huntsville at Building B of the Huntsville District
Memorial Hospital campus, located on the right hand side of 100 Frank Miller Drive, as you approach the
hospital behind the Howland Building.
COVID-19 SELF-ASSESSMENT
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. https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0

EXPERIENCING COVID 19 SYMPTOMS
Contact either:
 • your primary care provider (for example, family doctor) for a virtual assessment
 • Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 and to speak with a registered nurse

FRONTLINE COVID 19 WORKERS.
An emerging network of Ontario-based mental health professionals dedicated to supporting frontline COVID-19 workers
during the evolving crisis.

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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE
“As the COVID-19 Virus pandemic spreads so will the toll on Ontarians providing frontline healthcare: doctors, nurses,
nursing aides, paramedics, and so on. It has become evident that this population lacks adequate emotional and mental
support, and can feel isolated and stigmatized for their contact with those who have been infected. Our goal is to help
these workers feel connected, supported, and to provide one-on-one no-fee therapy for those who need it.” (Local and
Ontario wide).
https://covid19therapists.com/

LHIN (LOCAL HEALTH INTEGRATION NETWORK)
Care Coordinators are working from home and making only urgent home visits where there are safety concerns or need
for crisis Long Term Care placement. New patients with routine requests for service are being assessed by phone. All of
our services (PSW, nursing, therapies, etc.) are still going into patient homes as usual to provide care, with screening in
place. 705-721-8010

PUBLIC HEALTH
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-
diseases/novel-coronavirus/public-resources
ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL
Mental Health Crisis Services are provided in the Emergency Department. Adult Mental Health Inpatient Unit
and Child and Youth Mental Health Inpatient Unit remain open. There is a NO visitor restriction in place. There
are some exceptions – ONE adult visitor in the Emergency department as determined by care team.
Paeds/Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – ONE adult visitor in the hospital at a time. Birthing Unit/Obstetrics –
One adult support person only in the hospital. Special circumstances made on compassionate grounds and
clinical judgement by the care team.
RVH Withdrawal Management (Detox) at 70 Wellington St. will remain closed until further notice. The Rapid
Access Addiction Medication (RAAM) clinics in Wasaga Beach, Orillia and Midland have closed and moved to
an OTN virtual model. The Barrie clinic, located on Wellington Street, remains open
https://www.rvh.on.ca/SitePages/coronavirus.aspx
VIRTUAL CARE SERVICES
Online doctor consults and/or telephone consults

 • www.appletreemedicalgroup.com
 • www.cover.health
 • www.dialadoc.com
 • www.enhancedcare.ca (647-245-2298 or 905-505-0509)
 • www.getmaple.com
 • www.gooddoctors.ca
 • www.1.shoppersdrugmart.ca
 • www.tiahealth.com (18443228806)
 • www.urgentcarecentre.ca (416-741-2273)

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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE

 5. TRANSPORTATION

LINX TRANSIT
Effective March 23 the County is implementing free ridership on all LINX routes until further notice. Additional
sanitization measures are in place on all County buses. The County will be reducing the frequency of service on
some of routes in the near future and further information on reduced hours of service will be updated on the
County’s website.

 6. EDUCATION

LEARNING FOR DEAD/HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS
Resource for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students through daily activities.
 ONTARIO’S LEARN AT HOME PROGRAM
Find supplementary resources for elementary and secondary students to practice math and literacy skills and
learn at home.
While these materials do not replace what students have been learning at school, during this unusual time,
these at-home activities offer quick and easy access to some of Ontario’s best online kindergarten to grade 12
learning resources. https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-at-home
OTHER E-LEARNING ACTIVITIES
 • Scholastics Learn at Home www.scholastic.com/learnathome
 • The San Diego Zoo has a website just for kids with amazing videos, activities, and games. Enjoy the
 tour! https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/
 • Tour Yellowstone National Park! https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtours.htm
 • This Canadian site FarmFood 360 offers 11 Virtual Tours of farms from minks, pigs, and cows, to apples
 and eggs. https://www.farmfood360.ca/
 • Indoor Activities for busy toddlers https://busytoddler.com/2020/03/indoor-
 activities/?fbclid=IwAR3tYXAqw7tJRAzLExpPcJo4rApLsKtgL0AwghzxgnhwOajc4auX6o12_xw
 • Play games and learn all about animals https://switchzoo.com/
 • Play with fave show characters and learn too https://pbskids.org/
 • This Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China is beautiful and makes history come to life.
 https://www.thechinaguide.com/destination/great-wall-of-china
 • Math and Reading games https://www.funbrain.com/
 • Phonics skills https://www.starfall.com/h/
 • Read, play games, and hang out with Dr. Seuss https://www.seussville.com/
 • 300,000+ FREE printable worksheets from toddlers to teens
 https://www.123homeschool4me.com/home-school-free-printables/
 • Geography and animals https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
 • Math practice from counting to algebra and geometry http://www.mathscore.com/
 • Favorite kids books read by famous people https://www.storylineonline.net/
 • Crafts, activities, mazes, dot to dot, etc, https://www.allkidsnetwork.com/
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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE
 • High school chemistry topics
 https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articles-by-
 topic.html
 • Math and reading games https://www.abcya.com/
 • Math as a fun part of your daily family routine http://bedtimemath.org/
 • Educational games K-12 https://www.breakoutedu.com/funathome
 • Chinese learning activities https://chalkacademy.com/
 • Grammar practice for middle grades https://www.classroomcereal.com/
 • Reading passages for grades 3-12, with reading comprehension and discussion questions.
 https://www.commonlit.org/
 • Vocabulary, grammar, listening activities and games in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese,
 Korean, and Latin. https://conjuguemos.com/
 • 35,000 pages of online content on the cultures and countries of the world.
 https://www.countryreports.org/
 • Free printable K-8 Reading and Math activity packs (available in English and Spanish)
 https://www.curriculumassociates.com/supporting-students-away-from-school
 • Elem Math games, logic puzzles and educational resources https://www.mathplayground.com/
 • Illustrated recipes designed to help kids age 2-12 cook with their grown-ups. Recipes encourage
 culinary skills, literacy, math, and science. https://www.nomsterchef.com/nomster-recipe-library
 • 80+ do at home science activities https://elementalscience.com/blogs/news/80-free-science-activities
 • Quick & easy at home projects curated for kids 2 and up https://www.kiwico.com/kids-at-home
 • Online stories https://storytimefromspace.com/library
 • free Interactive online math games – Grades 1-8 https://www.prodigygame.com/
 • Science at home https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/explore/experiences/science-home/
 • Harry Potter Virtual Escape Room https://www.narcity.com/things-to-do/ca/a-harry-potter-escape-room-is-
 offering-an-virtual-adventure-for-people-social-distancing
 • Science at home https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/explore/experiences/science-home/
 • Indigenous teacher resources Grades JK – 12https://guides.library.uoit.ca/indigenous_k-12

SETTING UP A POSTIIVE HOME LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
With school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, parents need support and children need to learn. Best
Start by Health Nexus is please to present a recorded webinar for parents: Setting Up a Positive Home
Learning Environment
You will find helpful information to share with families you support or connect with. Or share the link directly
with parents. This webinar highlights useful online resources and covers the following topics:

 • Distressing when work, parenting and teaching is all on you.
 • How children learn.
 • Setting up positive learning environments.
 • Learning through the arts is fun.
 • Social and emotional learning – taking care of self and contributing to others.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/8840534588806088716
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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE

 7. MENTAL HEALTH/ADDICTION

ASSESSMENT DIRECTED THERAPY PROGRAM

For children between the ages of 4-17 who have experienced trauma. Referrals can be made by Child Protection
Agencies, Police, community organizations or self-referral. For a referral to be accepted, the following criteria needs to
be met:

 • There should be no contact (direct or indirect) with the offender during the assessment process.
 • Assessment and treatment intervention services are offered to children and youth after a traumatic event has
 been reported, investigated and verified by a child welfare agency and/or police.
 • Referrals to evaluate traumatic events that do not necessitate child welfare or police involvement (i.e. exposure
 to community violence or war related trauma) can also be made to the program.

Satellite location at 80 Bradford Street Barrie, similar programs can be accessed at Children’s Mental Health Ontario
Centres in Collingwood, Midland, Orillia, Muskoka, and South Simcoe.

 https://boostforkids.org/for-families/intervention-programs/assessment-directed-therapy/

ANXIETY CANADA
Anxiety specific mental health resources

https://www.anxietycanada.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwj7v0BRDOARIsAGh37irp3iVUQReXFWK1sp1qgDWd2JbVRsb6J1LPRiva
Gplb1lMHgKoRhYgaApn-EALw_wcB

CACCF
Telemedicine support is available to every Canadian. Addiction Counselling sessions will be conducted virtually or via
phone and are available FREE of charge starting on March 23 at 9 am by visiting www.caccf.ca 9am-9pm 7 days a week
www.caccf.ca

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
CMHA Simcoe County Branch has suspended all Face to Face service provisions, exceptions may fall under provisions
provided by our Assertive Community Treatment Teams and EPI. All Non Face to Face service provisions will
either be done by confidential email, voice, text, and or ONT/Virtual option.
CMHA, Muskoka-Parry Sound is providing face to face and telephone clinical appointments by pre-arranged
appointments only until further notice.
In Muskoka, please call 705-645-2262
In East Parry Sound, please call 705-384-5392
In West Parry Sound, please call 705-746-4264
If you are in crisis, please call 1-888-893-8333.
Online Mental Health Resource: Big White Wall - https://otn.ca/patients/bigwhitewall/ a free online portal
offering peer to peer support for someone dealing with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE

Online Addiction resources:
Alcoholics Anonymous: Through this site clients can listen to taped speakers and join on-line groups

https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1a71ccw7ihaWelksKwOp4AzAkYlVqSoKiN6Gsm38bKMU/mobilebasic

Narcotics Anonymous Links: -

https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/text-

results.php?country=Web&state&city&zip&street&within=5&day=0&lang&orderby=distance –

https://www.intherooms.com has meetings and speaker tapes for all 12 step programs

CARAH HOUSE – CMHA
The beds program has closed. There is no mobile crisis supports available at this time. The crisis line available with
enhanced call backs to community members - crisis line - local 705-728-5044, toll free 1-888-893-8333

CATHOLIC FAMILY SERVICES OF SIMCOE COUNTY (CFSSC)
 • As of April 6, 2020, CFSSC will begin a “Call in Clinic” which will temporarily replace the Walk in Clinic. To Access,
 call 1-888-726-2503 and leave a message. The intake team will call back to set up a free counselling session. The
 clinic line will be monitored 9am-5pm Monday – Friday (holidays excepted).
 • Individuals receiving active counselling can continue sessions with their clinician via telephone.
 • The Partner Assault Response (PAR) Program is working to transition support services to a new delivery model.
 Please call 1-888-726-2503 ext 123 to learn more.
 • Groups & Workshops: Please visit https://cfssc.ca/services/group-counselling/ for upcoming programming.

CRISIS TEXT LINE
The Crisis Text Line, which is organized by the Kids Help Phone and is available to anyone 24/7 for support in a crisis
situation. https://www.crisistextline.ca/

Text HOME to 686868

FAMILY CONNEXIONS CHILD & YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH (INTERNAL CYMH SERVICES)
 • Counselling Walk-in Clinic is now a Tele-counselling service available Tues/Thurs 8:30am – 4:30pm,
 appointments booked through CYMH line at 705-645-4426 ext.6270
 • A therapist is available to provide CYMH support and resources Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm at 705-645-
 4426, ext. 6270.
 • Launching webchat service for children and youth open Mon/Wed/Fri 11:30am-1pm & 3-5pm. Not therapy but
 staffed to provide a forum for youth to ask questions and check in
 • Visit www.safespot.ca to begin a youth mental health online chat
 • Crisis services continue to be offered 24/7 by calling 1-844-287-9072
 • Strengthening Families will not run at this time

 Page 17 of 30
 Please note: The legal name of the agency is Simcoe Muskoka Child, Youth and Family Services