The Stepping Stones Shelter is located at the grandstand on the Prince Albert Exhibition grounds. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Temporary closures

Outbreak declared at Prince Albert cold weather shelter

Dec 3, 2020 | 4:38 PM

Prince Albert’s newest cold weather shelter was forced to temporarily close its doors in connection to a COVID-19 outbreak.

YWCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Donna Brooks confirmed the news for paNOW on Thursday, but could not say exactly how many people tested positive.

“There was enough that the clients who stayed in our shelter, [health officials] are looking for them to go into assisted self-isolation,” she said, adding in most cases that includes a space at a local hotel.

The Stepping Stones Shelter has been open for just under a month. On any given night, as many as 20 people are using the beds at the shelter, and there’s two staff members working per shift. Brooks said because they don’t know when the virus first appeared at the shelter, a number of staff have to be tested.

“So not only do we need to close for cleaning and sanitization reasons, but we also don’t have enough staff,” she said.

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At this time the source of the outbreak remains unclear. Brooks explained there are extensive measures in place. When a client comes into the facility, their temperature is checked, and they get asked a questionnaire. Staff have all been required to wear masks and face shields.

“The shelter is sanitized daily… it’s closed for six hours,” she said. “As far as health protocols being followed, they were being followed but because it’s a communal living environment, things like [COVID] can spread rapidly amongst the clients.”

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is now working closely with staff to assist with contact tracing and testing. In the meantime anyone who requires a place to sleep is being encouraged to contact Mobile Crisis.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell