COVID Isolation Sites For Homeless Set Up In Three Cities

A shelter for COVID-positive people struggling with homelessness has been set up in a decommissioned hockey rink in Saint John.

The isolation site opened on the lower west side of Saint John last month in the former Hilton Belyea Arena.

Similar sites have been established in Moncton and Fredericton through the Department of Social Development.

The Saint John location can accommodate 40 people with the goal being to reduce the risk of virus transmission in the community and the existing emergency homeless shelters.

It can also provide onsite care to people who may not otherwise be connected to the health care system.

The isolation sites also aim to provide social service, care and supports necessary to facilitate successful isolation and recovery from COVID-19 and reduce the impact on the acute care system and prevent hospitalizations.

As of January 28th, 37 people had stayed in the Saint John facility.