COVID-19 outbreak prompts service changes at Lighthouse shelter in downtown Saskatoon

A previously disclosed COVID-19 outbreak is now prompting service changes at a downtown Saskatoon's shelter for vulnerable people.

On Friday, Saskatchewan health officials declared an outbreak at Lighthouse Supported Living Inc.

One clientliving at an associated supported living residence in the communitytested positive, as did one staff member at the ordowntown shelter, located at the corner of Second Avenue S. and 20th Street E.

Exactly what has happened since Fridayis not clear, but on Tuesday The Lighthouse announced it is not accepting clients into its front-entrance emergency shelters or its back-entrance stabilization unit, citing the ongoing outbreak.

"It's not that we aren't taking new people," said Don Windels, the shelter's executive director. "It's just that we want to make sure the people we're taking right now have already been assessed and [tested] negative, so when they're coming into the building, they're not adding to any issue we have already."

Windels said in a news release that the situation will be reviewed on Nov. 8.

"It wasn't an easy decision, but through a lot of discussion, we just thought this would be the wise thing to do right now," he said. "Untilwe have time to assess the situation and have a very positive plan going forward, we just thought it would be diligent on our part to limit those coming into the building."

Current shelter clients and residents staying at The Lighthouse are able to remain.

Windels said that since the outbreak was declared, shelter staff and the Saskatchewan Health Authority have moved to getas many residents and staff tested as possible. He praised the inter-agency collaboration he has seen.

"We've had several meetings with social services and health, and they've been awesome to work with," he said. "They're great people, they're great staff. They've offered to help bring more staff on site, because some of our staff have had to isolate. So they've been awesome."

• COVID-19 outbreak declared at Lighthouse, Saskatoon's largest shelter

He did not disclose exactly how many peoplehave been tested or how many have tested positive citing confidentiality concerns, but said a lot of tests have been administered.

"We're trying to get everyone," he said. "We can't force people to be tested it is on a voluntary basis but we're highly encouraging everyone to be tested just so we can contain what is there."

In the week ahead, Lighthouse staff will be contacting residents' families and contacts to update them on their loved one's status.

"We ask for your patience as we work through this process," said Windels.