BC has created 15 spaces in Squamish for vulnerable people who want to self-isolate.
These spaces will be available at one specific site.
Squamish and Vancouver are two sites in the Vancouver Coastal Health Region that have been created for this purpose.
As many as 382 spaces are available at these two sites, with the majority of them in Vancouver.
These new rooms and beds at motels, hotels, and community centres will assist a range of people, including people experiencing homelessness, people without safe spaces to self-isolate and youth.
Non-profit societies who have significant experience working with vulnerable populations will oversee the day-to-day management of these sites, BC said. Staff will be on site regularly to provide daily meals and cleaning services.
Meanwhile, health authorities are identifying those who require self-isolation and are working with BC Housing to refer people to these hotel rooms or community centres.
In addition, some hotels are reserved specifically for people who have COVID-19 and need a place to self-isolate while they recover.
Other spaces are for patients being discharged from hospitals who do not have COVID-19 and who do not need emergency care, but still require ongoing health care – freeing up much needed beds in hospitals.
“These new spaces are a critical part of how we can support those who are vulnerable in our community, including those who are experiencing homelessness or living in communal locations where the virus could spread more quickly,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
So far, more than 900 spaces have been secured at 23 sites including hotels, motels and community centres across the province.
