As of November 27, the Lloydminster Drop-In Centre has been cleared to continue operations.
Manager Riley Gilroyed says once they were presented with the information about the exposure, the team met with Saskatchewan Health Authority officials and nurses provided testing for clients and staff who were present at the time of exposure.
“We had the public health inspector come by and assess that our operations could continue with added modifications such as tracking names, phone numbers, the time people entered and left the building as it was a more efficient way of tracking people in the case that positive cases were to arise.”
The centre has also removed furniture too difficult to clean or sanitize properly. Staff will also reinforce mask wearing while inside the facility as well as proper hand washing. Gilroyed says they are in close contact with the health authority and both will be providing daily updates to each other.
“They’ve been very supportive of what we do and the initiatives we take. We’re going to do our part and beyond to ensure that everyone who attends the drop-in, whether it’s a person accessing our services or a staff member, is safe at all times.”
With the centre back in operation and new protocols in place, Gilroyed says they will turn their focus back to getting the facility and staff ready for the expanded hours during the winter season.
“We are prepared for not only any more outbreaks of COVID, but also for the cold weather. Marginalized and vulnerable population such as those who are homeless they need warmth just as much as anybody. We’re in the process of hiring staff to ensure that people have access to that warmth around the clock.”
The Drop-in Centre is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. all days of the week. Once staff has been hired, the centre will be open 24 hours a day.