The Federal Government has pledged more funding for the Saskatchewan Voluntary Isolation Site program, one of the province’s rapid response tools in the fight against COVID-19.
The program seeks to provide people who may face challenges finding a place to self-isolate because of COVID-19 the means to do so. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency runs these locations, making sure they are safe and accessible.
The Government says this is especially important in urban centres, locations where people are faced with crowded housing and resources constraints and cities, municipalities and health regions that are at risk for a high community spread of COVID-19.
In total, the feds have pledged $11.6 million for the project for the 300 spaces in Saskatchewan. Some of these spots are hotel settings, while other arrangements are made in areas where it is required.
Residents who can access this program include those exposed to COVID-19, diagnosed with COVID-19,
over the age of 40 or who have a health condition as identified by the Public Health Agency of Canada as increasing risks when infected with COVID-19.
The SPSA then works with local public health officials to offer eligible individuals the option to transfer to the isolation site on a voluntary basis in order to keep them and their household contacts safe during an outbreak in their community.
Regular monitoring and reporting on these sites are then done with the help of health officials as well. Residents can call 1-833-551-5501 if they want more details or ways to get support from the program.