Ontario opening two new COVID-19 isolation centres, expanding others in hotspots

Jan 21 2021, 8:34 pm

The Government of Ontario plans to open two new COVID-19 isolation centres and expand several others before the end of January.

On January 21, the province announced that it would be opening one new centre in Oshawa and one in Brampton this week. Two existing centres in the City of Toronto will be expanded as well.

Together, these sites will create up to 1,525 new safe isolation beds across the province, according to a release. Of the newly-announced beds, 840 will be located in Peel, 280 will be in Toronto, 280 will be in York, and 125 will be in Durham.

“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,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“Isolation centres will provide these people with the supports they need while they are self-isolating.”

The new sites are a part of the province’s investment of up to $42 million under the High Priority Communities Strategy and will help people in some of the hardest-hit neighbourhoods self-isolate and keep their families and communities safe.

According to the province, COVID-19 isolation centres provide a range of supports and services, including meals, security, transportation, and links to health and social services.

“Our government is taking action to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our most vulnerable communities,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

“We continue to work with Ontario Health, public health units, municipalities, and our community partners to deliver targeted and key interventions that our province’s hardest-hit neighbourhoods need.”

Zoe DemarcoZoe Demarco

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