A new COVID-19 isolation centre is coming to Oshawa.
Officials say it will help people self-isolate in a safe place where they can access essential services.
This afternoon, I was in #Oshawa to tour one of our new COVID-19 isolation centres.
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, we’re providing Ontarians in our hardest-hit neighbourhoods with a safe and secure place to self-isolate away from loved ones. pic.twitter.com/udoZCcrOqa
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) January 21, 2021
Several isolation centres are already open in COVID-19 hotspots, including Ottawa and Peel Region. They offer a range of wraparound services, such as meals, transportation and links to social or health services.
In the coming weeks, the province says 125 new isolation beds will be opening in Durham Region.
The provincial government is also expanding a pair of isolation centres serving Toronto and opening a new one in Brampton.
“We know that some communities have been more affected by COVID-19 than others, and many people face barriers to finding a safe place to self-isolate in order to keep their families and communities safe,” explained Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Steve Clark.
The new centre in Oshawa is part of a broader strategy to support high-priority communities across the province. These communities were selected for high COVID-19 case numbers, low testing rates and barriers to testing and isolation.
In December, 15 of these priority communities were identified and $42-million was allocated to open new isolation centres.
‘Durham West’ was named as a priority at the time, but ‘Durham East’ was not.
