OTTAWA — A local recreation centre in Ottawa is becoming an isolation and treatment centre for homeless people with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.
The centre opens today, and three people are already expected stay in isolation while they await test results.
Advocates say homeless populations may be at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, and are likely to have worse outcomes because of underlying health conditions.
Wendy Muckle with Ottawa Inner City Health says homeless people can be tested for the virus by a mobile assessment van, paramedics, as well as the typical assessment centre and hospitals.
At the end of January, Ottawa became the first city in Canada to declare a homeless emergency.
Expert say COVID-19 will only exacerbated the already critical situation facing the national capital’s growing homeless population.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 23, 2020.
The Canadian Press
The Canadian Press
