British Columbia has partnered with local governments, non-profits and the hotel industry in order to support people who are unable to self-isolate and to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
In a release, the Province states that more than 900 spaces have been secured at 23 sites including hotels, motels and community centres throughout B.C.
“These new spaces are a critical part of how we can support those who are vulnerable in our community, including those who are experiencing homelessness or living in communal locations where the virus could spread more quickly,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
“In partnership with health authorities and local government, these new spaces are helping us mitigate the effect of this virus and support our health-care system in communities across the province.”
These new rooms and community centre beds will assist a range of people, which will include people experiencing homelessness. They will also provide space for people without safe spaces to self-isolate and youth.
For people who have tested positive for COVID-19, a number of hotels are reserved specifically for them to self-isolate while they recover.
Other spaces are for patients being discharged from hospitals who do not have COVID-19 and who do not need emergency care, but still require ongoing health care. The release notes that this will free up beds in hospitals that are much needed during the pandemic.
Right now, health authorities are identifying those who require self-isolation and working with BC Housing to refer people to hotel rooms or community centres. While some of these facilities are already operational, others are expected to be ready in the coming days and weeks.
If a need is identitfied by health authorities, the province adds that more rooms have been identified in communities throughout B.C. to expand capacity; these rooms are in addition to the more than 900 spaces secured to date.
Non-profit societies who have significant experience working with vulnerable populations will oversee the day-to-day management of the hotels, motels and community centre spaces. Staff will be on site regularly and will provide daily meals and cleaning services. When required, health-care workers will also provide on-site care to ensure people are getting the medical attention they need.
We are opening more than 900 spaces in hotels, motels and other sites in 11 BC communities - offering to vulnerable individuals and those experiencing homelessness in need of safe spaces to self-isolate. https://t.co/Yn3mb7irV9 pic.twitter.com/I9G82LFqeE
— BC Housing (@BC_Housing) April 7, 2020
A coordinated effort has also been launched to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.
Called the DTES Response, the group aims to activate networks in the community to create a stop-gap plan for the most urgent needs of the most vulnerable in our communities. Right now, the group is mobilizing resources and coordinating operations to address the challenges.
Roughly 15,000 people are at risk in the Downtown Eastside, and 3,000 of them are homeless. What's more, 4,700 people in the DTES live in Single Room Occupancy hotels (SROs). Under these conditions, self isolating and social distancing is extremely difficult.
Find out more information about the DTES Response HERE.
