About COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus with pneumonia-like symptoms. For updates and information on COVID-19, visit simcoemuskokahealth.org
A state of emergency has been declared. It is urgent that Barrie residents take steps to limit the number of people we come in contact with to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Learn more.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) updates
the amount of COVID-19 cases daily.
Healthcare Information During the COVID-19 Emergency
A website has launched for residents to access information on common healthcare needs and local information about COVID-19, such as where to go in the Barrie area if you have symptoms and how to get your COVID-19 test results. There is also general health information regarding how healthcare is modified during the pandemic. Visit barriehealth.ca.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Source:
SMDHU
If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms use the
online-assessment tool and follow those instructions. The SMDHU has advised that
anyone who has
new cold-like/respiratory symptoms is to self-isolate
at home for 14 days, or until their symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild – like the flu and other common respiratory infections – to severe, and can include:
- Fever, new cough or difficulty breathing (or a combination of these symptoms)
- Muscle aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, or runny nose
- Symptoms in young children may also be non-specific (for example, lethargy, poor feeding)
Your risk of severe diseases may be higher if you have a weakened immune system. This may be the case for:
- Older people (60 and older)
- People with chronic diseases (for example: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart, liver or chronic lung disease).
Complications from the COVID-19 can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure, and in some cases, death. There are no specific treatments for COVID-19, and there is no vaccine that protects against it. Most people with common human coronavirus illnesses, including COVID-19, will recover on their own.
If you have mild symptoms you should:
- drink plenty of fluids
- get rest and sleep as much as possible
- try a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough.
Assessment Centres
Please visit rvh.on.ca for up-to-date information about COVID-19 testing options in Barrie.
Information Sources