Statement Regarding Positive COVID-19 Cases at Shepherds of Good Hope
On May 14, 2020, Shepherds of Good Hope was advised that an individual who had previously stayed in one of our shelter programs had tested positive for COVID-19. This individual was last at Shepherds of Good Hope one week prior to the positive test.
On May 15, following the advice of our health partners, all clients on the unit where the individual stayed were tested. Two asymptomatic individuals tested positive for COVID-19 and were immediately transferred to the Routhier Isolation Centre, along with their roommates.
Subsequently, a fourth individual who had previously stayed at Shepherds of Good Hope tested positive on May 18 and was immediately transferred for proper isolation protocol. The individuals’ identities or program will not be released to the public due to confidentiality.
Following the advice of our health partners, we have implemented the following operational changes as of May 14 and until further notice:
- Onsite testing made available for all clients and staff
- Clients and staff within the unit in question are asked to wear masks at all times
- Clients have been asked to isolate within their rooms as much as possible
- Meals are now being served to clients’ rooms
- Only authorized staff are permitted on this unit and must “don and doff” their PPE when entering and exiting the unit
- This unit will not be accepting new referrals
Shepherds of Good Hope has been working actively with Ottawa Inner City Health, Ottawa Public Health, the City of Ottawa and our partners within the homelessness sector to do everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our vulnerable community.
Major changes have been made to all our programs to support clients to achieve greater physical distancing, increased hand hygiene and enhanced program cleaning. All our staff are asked to practice universal precautions, including physical distancing, wearing personal protective equipment, frequent handwashing and self-monitoring for symptoms.
In preparation of a positive case within our client population, we had protocols developed to help limit the spread of COVID-19 should a client or staff member test positive. This included daily screening of all clients. These protocols were followed in a timely way in these cases, and we are extremely proud of our team’s work and collaboration with our partners.
For more information, please contact:
Amber Bramer
Marketing and Communications Manager
Shepherds of Good Hope
media@sghottawa.com
613-878-3393 (cell)
Homes for all. Community for all. Hope for all.