Windsor s COVID-19 isolation centre full, forcing homeless shelter to scramble amid large outbreak
With the City of Windsor s Isolation and Recovery Centre full, a significant COVID-19 outbreak at one of Windsor s largest homeless shelters has left the organization scrambling to find more space for those who have tested positive.
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CBC News ·
Posted: Feb 16, 2021 9:14 PM ET | Last Updated: February 17
The Downtown Mission is now running all their services out of a former City of Windsor library to better accommodate physical distancing between guests.(Chris Ensing/CBC)
As of Monday afternoon, 40 people who use the shelter have tested positive for COVID-19, with 46 tests pending. Sixteen staff members have tested positive with three additional staff members waiting results.
People who have tested positive that were using the shelter are now staying at an isolation and recovery centre run by the City of Windsor and the Welcome Centre for Women.
The former Central Library branch at 850 Ouelette Avenue in Windsor is being converted to a temporary emergency shelter. (Chris Ensing/CBC)
Dunn said that he is not aware of anyone who has tested positive that has required hospitalization. The reality is we needed more space . a facility built for a 100 and we have several hundred, said Dunn of the move to the former library branch.
WINDSOR ONT The Downtown Mission is reporting 11 staff members and six guests have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, all auxiliary programs with the exception of its shelter and meal program will be suspended effectively until the outbreak is contained. With approximately 31 people still awaiting test results, this is the first covid-19 outbreak at the mission says executive director Reverend Ron Dunn. “The truth of it is we always assumed that it was inevitable, despite our best efforts.” The Mission says it has been diligently following COVID-19 safety protocols, but will double its efforts and enhance cleaning to provide a safe space.
The Downtown Mission is reporting 11 staff members and six guests have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, all auxiliary programs with the exception of its shelter and meal program will be suspended effectively until the outbreak is contained.