By The Canadian Press

Concerns raised over Alberta’s homeless shelter space among COVID-19 pandemic

Sep 11, 2020 | 10:07 AM

CALGARY – A doctor is worried Alberta’s homeless shelters won’t have enough space to keep everyone safe once the cold weather hits.

Doctor Richard Musto is a retired public health officer who has been volunteering to help Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He says there isn’t enough space for people to be much more than inches apart during the peak of winter, and that the need for more space is urgent.

The Alberta government’s shelter guidelines say one metre of space between beds, cots or mats in shelters is acceptable.

Alberta’s chief medical officer, Doctor Deena Hinshaw, says there’s enough space between peoples’ faces if they sleep head-to-foot.

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She says sleeping arrangements don’t appear to be driving COVID-19 cases in shelters, but transmission has been happening outside as people share cigarettes and drinks.

The Alberta government has committed 48 million dollars to support shelters and community organizations through the winter.

But it has not yet detailed how the money is being split or how much space it may free up.