COVID-19 outbreak affecting homeless population in St. John's

An outbreak of COVID-19 is affecting the homeless population in St. John's, according to theexecutive director of a St. John's shelter and community centre.

Paul Davis says there is a "fairly small number" of people, including staff, who are affected at the Gathering Place.

Davis said aperson entered the shelter Thursday withsymptoms and later tested positive for the virus. The person did not stay overnight.

The Gathering Place's 30-bed shelter space remains open with some staff continuing to work, despite being close contacts. Davis said that's part of the centre'sprotocol, which has been approved by Public Health.

However, the Gathering Place's 250 regular volunteers are no longer allowed to enter the building.

"This is our first experience with COVID-19 in our guest population. We've been learning a great deal over the past 48 to 72 hours," said Davis.

Davis said there is a protocol to findhomeless people a place toself-isolate if theytest positive for COVID-19.

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Since December, the Gathering Place has also been working on a "reduced service model," which means the dining room is closed, all meals are takeout, and there is a reduced capacity for activities.

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