By Shaun Penner

STREET-ENGAGED POPULATION

City, partner agencies responding to COVID-19 outbreak at Rotary House

Dec 9, 2020 | 1:14 PM

City of Grande Prairie staff and their partner agencies have initiated protocols to help support those of the street-engaged population who have tested positive for COVID-19, though staffing resources are getting stretched thin in their response.

This comes after an outbreak of COVID-19 was announced by Alberta Health at the Rotary House in Grande Prairie, where 15 active cases have been linked to the facility, which offers shelter and supports for those who are experiencing homelessness.

Lydia Sadiq, a spokesperson for the City, says plans were developed back in April to address any outbreak that could happen within the vulnerable population, with those plans now being brought into action and expanded.

“It consists of providing a secure space for people who are either symptomatic, awaiting test results, or who have received a confirmed COVID result, to be able to isolate and receive wellness checks and those sorts of care opportunities.”

Sadiq adds isolation spaces are made available offsite from the Rotary House.

She says the staff at Rotary House, the Saint Lawrence Centre and the Northreach Society are all working in collaboration to ensure that those who need the support have it, and that the community as a whole is protected.

“There are a number of staff that are working to care for the population experiencing homelessness, and support them on the ground,” said Sadiq. “At this point, I would say the general public does not need to be fearful. We are making sure that steps are in place to reduce greater risk to the community at large.”

With that extra work though and self-isolation requirements for staff who are considered close contacts, Sadiq says staffing resources are getting stretched thin across all agencies during this time. She says the City is now working to increase those staffing levels to help respond to the situation.

“If there is anyone who believes they have a skillset that might fit to be able to take care of the street-engaged population, the candidates are welcome to apply at northreach.ca,” said Sadiq.

“There is an open application, so we are just collecting names for that staffing pool to be able to bolster our resources.”