13.28°C Vancouver 13.28°C VancouverApr 7, 2020 10:42 PM -
To reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, BCHousing, City of Surrey and Fraser Healthhave established atemporaryEmergencyResponseCentre at Surrey’s previouslydecommissioned North Surrey Recreation Centre (NSRC).
The NSRC Emergency ResponseCentre will provide up to 110 safe spaces in the recreation centre, separated amongst thefacility’s two rinks.
The Centre will be referral - only which will prioritize the support of people living on the streets,in shelters,or for people coming out of acute care who do not have a safe place to self - isolate ifthey have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19.
Referrals will be managed by Fraser Healthto ensure those most at risk with the highest care needs are prioritized.
This proactive approachwill also help reduce capacity in nearby shelters in order to support physical distancing efforts.
BC Housing has appointed Surrey Urban Mission Society (SUMS) to operate and manage thecentre, which will be staffed 24/7.
Fraser Health staff will be onsite daily, supporting SUMS andproviding ongoing health guidance.
BC Housing, with the support of City of Surrey, is continuing to explore opportunities to partnerwith local hotels to support frontline staff who are unable to go home during the COVID-19outbreak, or for those who are unable to self-isolate due to living on the streets or in shelters.
