Grey Bruce public health strives to contain COVID-19 outbreak at rooming house
The Grey Bruce health unit is taking extra measures to keep a COVID-19 outbreak in Hanover's rooming house.
"A number of people who have a certain lifestyle of using drugs, and that brings an extra challenge," said Dr. Ian Arra, Grey Bruce medical officer of health.
An emergency management team is stationed outside the 10th Street facility in downtown Hanover and trailers and a food truck after the health unit declared an outbreak last week.
Public health urges anyone who visited the building recently to get a COVID-19 test and isolate.
Grey Bruce's medical officer of health, Dr. Ian Arra said they recognize some of the residents are vulnerable and have special needs if they must stay home.
"We have been able to successfully ensure that there is enough support for these disadvantaged individuals to go through appropriate isolation to protect the self and the community from potential spread," Arra explained.
Along with food and clothing, residents are being provided with items they might need, including prescription alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, suboxone treatment for opioid addiction and Wi-Fi.
Security is stationed outside the facility 24/7 to ensure the outbreak is contained.
In a release Friday, the health unit stated, "We hope the public will also recognize these needs must be met as part of a comprehensive harm reduction and infectious disease containment strategy."
Several community partners are working together to help provide all of the support needed over the 14-day isolation period.
Sixteen people in the facility have tested positive for COVID-19, with more than 30 individuals considered high-risk contacts.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.