A mobile isolation unit may soon be set up in Belleville’s downtown area.
An isolation centre was established last year at the former Quinte Secondary School but that location will soon be unavailable by late 2021 so a move is on to establish a mobile unit.
A staff report to the Hastings County Community and Human Services Committee on Wednesday indicated this unit could act as an isolation centre for all infectious outbreaks, which would assist in preserving the health of homeless people.
The idea is to have it located on-site and adjacent to the current Grace Inn Shelter property.
It could use existing staff which maximizes cost effectiveness while enhancing responsiveness of overnight unsheltered services.
Director Erin Rivers.
“They’re looking for a more long term solution. So this certainly was an idea that was brought forth to us that we considered through the CAB and it just made more sense. It’s more economical and it certainly leverages the staff of Grace Inn who help support the isolation centre.”
In answer to a question by Quinte West Councillor Terry Cassidy, Rivers said it would have five units, also a bathroom and washroom, and space for staff who would monitor the individuals.
Rivers tells Quinte News it would be 100% federally funded and there is a balance of $418,000 of available funding.
Since it was approved at committee, Rivers says she will now begin to investigate obtaining such a mobile unit.
