York Region to open isolation centre for COVID-19

Residents who can't safely isolate can stay in hotel room

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 22, 2021
Kim Zarzour

York Region will officially open a voluntary isolation centre for residents with COVID-19 early next week.

The centre is one of several being created in hot spots across the province.

The province announced Jan. 21 new centres are opening this week in Oshawa and Brampton and two isolation centres serving Toronto are expanding.

These new centres and expansions are in addition to existing centres in Ottawa, Peel and Waterloo regions.

A total of 1,525 additional beds will be created for safe isolation, with 125 beds in Durham, up to 840 beds in Peel, up to 280 beds in Toronto and up to 280 beds in York.

Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region's medical officer of health, said close contacts have been contributing to the spread of COVID-19 in larger households where people live in proximity and where it is difficult to self-isolate properly.

In one recent cluster, where 12 people were living under the same roof, nine tested positive for COVID-19, he said.

The centre will located in a hotel in the central part of southern York Region, Kurji said. The specific location and name of the hotel is not being publicly disclosed for the safety and privacy of all guests.

It will be operated by the Canadian Red Cross on behalf of York Region and offer a safe, comfortable, temporary and private room free of charge, he said.

"Eligible residents can rest and recover without worrying about spreading COVID-19 to their family, loved ones, roommates or others."

York Region is also able to connect eligible residents to available services and emergency financial assistance supports to cover rent, utilities and food so they can take time off work to self-isolate at the centre or at home.

"We know that some communities have been more affected by COVID-19 than others, and many people face barriers to finding a safe place to self-isolate in order to keep their families and communities safe," Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark said. "Isolation centres will provide these people with the supports they need while they are self-isolating."

York Region is receiving funding to operate the centre and provide emergency financial supports through the province’s high priority communities strategy.

Municipalities will work with public health officials and community health agencies to connect those affected by COVID-19 with their local isolation centre.

More information will be provided early next week, including eligibility and access, at york.ca or by calling Access York at 1-877-464-9675