It would seem even high-risk clients of Transition House can come and go as they please even though a outbreak has been declared.
On April 28 a staff members tested positive for COVID-19 and an outbreak was declared at the facility on Chapel Street.
Executive Director Anne Newman said previously staff have been implementing “outbreak management measures” which includes:
· All new admissions to Transition House shelter have been paused and the current ten clients are being supported to self-isolate at the shelter.
· All clients are provided with masks and informed of the importance of frequent hand-washing and physical distancing.
· Testing of clients and staff has been completed at the facility. All results received to date have been negative. Twice-daily screening of all clients and staff for symptoms of COVID-19 is ongoing.
· The Health Unit had previously vaccinated staff and clients at the shelter and will be in the shelter again today vaccinating any remaining consenting clients and staff who were not previously vaccinated.
· The Health Unit, the County and Transition House staff are continuing to work together to support the clients to isolate as appropriate.
Currently there are 10 clients at the facility.
Newman would not say if there is a lockdown or quarantine at the facility, but did state, “Transition House is not responsible for movement or actions of the individuals who are registered with us.”
Northumberland County Director of Communications, Kate Campbell stated the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit has identified six clients who are considered “high-risk” contacts.
Testing of the clients and staff have been completed and as of Monday, May 3, 2021 all results have been negative.
Campbell states there are twice-daily screening of all clients and staff for symptoms of COVID-19. The Health Unit had previously vaccinated staff and clients at the shelter and will be in the shelter again today (Monday, May 3, 2021) vaccinating any remaining consenting clients and staff who were not previously vaccinated.
Campbell said the Health Unit, the County and Transition House staff can only “support these clients to isolate as appropriate.”
“It’s important to remember that the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on those experiencing homelessness in our community, adding further complexity to their already difficult circumstances. Many of these individuals are struggling with multiple non-COVID-related health complications and with histories of trauma, and we would ask the community for kindness and compassion for these individuals during this especially difficult time.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
