• Mask/face covering is voluntary in most public indoor spaces. Mask/face coverings are still required in high-risk spaces including public transit, health-care facilities, long-term care homes and congregate care settings. 
• Self-screening remains in place. Please monitor your health and if you are feeling sick stay home or seek medical attention.

What are the gathering/capacity limits?

There are currently no gathering or capacity limits. Social distancing is no longer required but recommended when possible.

Do I need a booster shot? How do I get one?

Booster doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are readily available to strengthen protection against severe illness and complications due to COVID-19.   

A booster dose restores protection, that may have decreased over time to a level that is no longer effective, in people who initially responded well to a “complete vaccine series.”   

There is now evidence of a gradual decrease in vaccine effectiveness over time following the second dose of a primary series. An Ontario study indicates that vaccine effectiveness decreases following a second dose and increases following a booster dose.   

A booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will help restore and maintain protection against infection and help reduce your risk of severe illness, complication, or death due to COVID-19. For some, a first and second booster dose is now recommended. 

How can I protect myself and my community against COVID-19?

• Follow public health guidelines and provincial regulations.
• All residents 70 years and older, as well as, those who are immunocompromised or living with chronic disease, should not leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.
• Wear a mask and maintain 6 feet of physical distance from those outside your household.
• Wash your hands frequently and do not touch your face.
• Self-isolate if sick, getting tested, or instructed to by public health. Stay home, do not report to work or go shopping.
• Get tested if experiencing any symptoms. Call the COVID-19 Assessment Centre to book an appointment at 705-461-8882.
• Test yourself if you're not feeling well. Free rapid test kits are available at Shopper's Drug Mart and Rexall Pharmacy.

Where can I book a vaccine appointment?

• The Elliot Lake Family Health Team - Call 705-461-8882 to book an appointment or find information on staying up-to-date with booster shots.
• Shoppers Drug Mart (220 Ontario Ave) - Call 705-848-7125, or visit their website to book your appointment.
• Rexall Pharmacy (31 Nova Scotia Walk) - Call 705-848-2451, or visit their website to book your appointment.

Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in Elliot Lake?

Call the COVID-19 Assessment Centre to book an appointment at 705-461-8882. Alternately, free rapid antigen test kits are available at Rexall Pharmacy and Shoppers Drug Mart. Supply is limited so please call first to inquire.

How long do I have to self-isolate if myself or a member of my household contracted COVID-19?

• If you are in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, continue to self-monitor for symptoms. There is no longer a need to isolate but you should wear a mask for 10 days when in public.
• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, or runny nose, stay home from school, work and social events until your fever is gone and symptoms are improving, get a rapid antigen test or, if eligible, a PCR test. Wear a mask for 10 days after and avoid non-essential visits to high-risk individuals and settings.

Where can I find more information on vaccinations?

• Algoma Public Health’s COVID-19 Vaccine information landing page
• If you have questions and would like to speak directly to someone, please visit the Vax Facts website and book an appointment to speak to a professional.

Where can I get more information on children's vaccines?

The SickKids COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service is a by-appointment phone service that provides a safe, judgment-free space to have an open conversation about the COVID-19 vaccine. This service provides expert guidance from Registered Nurses who are ready to listen and answer your questions or concerns related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service supports residents of Ontario who: 

• Have specific questions or concerns related to the COVID-19 vaccine that you cannot find the answer to elsewhere.
• Have complex medical histories or medical conditions (i.e. chronic illness)
• Require additional support for their COVID-19 vaccine due to medical complexity, developmental disorder or mobility, communication, behavioural or other specialized needs, including significant needle phobia.

More information can be found by visiting https://www.sickkids.ca/vaccineconsult.

As of June 11, 2022, masking is no longer mandatory in most indoor settings or on public transit. 

Mask/face coverings are still required in long-term care and retirement homes, as well as St. Joseph's General Hospital and the Elliot Lake Family Health Team Clinic.

• Virtual Town Hall Meetings 
  • Periodically the City and its health and safety stakeholders host Pandemic Virtual Town Hall meetings to keep Elliot Lake citizens up to-date. These meetings are broadcast on cable 10 and live streamed. You can find a link to the archive of all these meetings on the home page of this website.  

• Algoma Public Health's website.
• Province of Ontario website.

What are the restrictions on travel?

There are no restrictions on travel. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. Avoid travel except for essential reasons. Visit Algoma Public Health's website for a checklist to stay safe and avoid exposure while traveling

 Where can I get help for Elliot Lake Businesses?

If you are a business owner needing help call 705.848.0229 extension 226 or e-mail business@elliotlake.ca.

The Elliot Lake Family Health Team (ELFHT) is still offering the Age Friendly Check-ins program. 

The Age Friendly Check-in program was developed and organized by the City of Elliot Lake. The original purpose of the program was to meet the needs of our most vulnerable residents who were self-isolating when the COVID-19 pandemic began.  The Family Health Team offers a similar call-out and email service for community members who do not have local contact or family to check in on them.

To access the service, members of the public can call the Family Health Team and speak with a 2nd floor Receptionist at 705-461-8882.  

• This is an essential service for those who have no local contact or family to check-in on them.