Statement on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) from Ottawa Homeless Organizations

OTTAWA, ON – Friday, March 13, 2020 – As the COVID-19 situation unfolds in Ottawa, The Ottawa Mission, Shepherds of Good Hope, The Salvation Army, and Cornerstone Housing for Women are working closely with Ottawa Public Health and Ottawa Inner City Health to ensure the health and safety of everyone who interacts with our organizations.

The wellbeing of our clients in our shelters, residents in supportive housing, community members who visit us, volunteers, partners who help provide our many services, and our employees who provide exceptional support to our vulnerable populations is our top priority.

Strict protocols are in place to identify possible cases of COVID-19 should they be present. We are prepared to take appropriate measures for assessment, testing, and care in the event of a possible case of COVID-19.

All shelters have increased cleaning in our buildings and have disseminated information provided by Ottawa Public Health to our staff, clients, residents, volunteers, and community partners so that they are aware of best practices, including regular handwashing.

All of us are continuing to do our part to ensure community health and safety. We are working closely together to maintain strict cleanliness and disinfection practices as well as to identify possible cases and report them to Ottawa Public Health.

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For more information about this issue our organizations would kindly ask that all media inquires be directed to Ottawa Public Health, as they take the lead on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).