Outbreak at Moncton shelter exposes COVID-19 challenges among homeless population
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many challenges for the homeless population in Moncton as they often do not have the ability to self-isolate or get vaccinated.
A recent outbreak at the Harvest House has shown just how quickly the virus can spread among those who don’t have a place to call home.
The emergency shelter has seen 31 cases of the disease since last week causing it to temporarily close.
“This is a demographic that's used to moving around, so to ask them to stay in one place is difficult," says Marc Belliveau, executive director of Harvest House.
"Within our shelter itself, we have a professional company come in that's disinfecting our location. Remember we have 13 other buildings so right now we’re still taking care of all of our residents in our other buildings."
Belliveau says they serve 109 people every night on average.
In an effort to help prevent further spread, they had a pop-up vaccine clinic on site Friday to help make vaccinations more accessible for people, as rates have been low at the facility.
Jeremy Cormier was previously staying at the shelter.
"The experience has been both awful and amazing. I’ve met people that would really surprise you when you’re down and out," says Cormier.
Though he’s fully vaccinated, not having a permanent address makes it difficult for people like Cormier to hold onto certificates.
Debby Warren, executive director of Ensemble Moncton, a harm reduction site, says that their location serves over 1,000 individuals in the community and a high percentage of those are homeless.
"Even if we found them a place to self-isolate, to get over the 14 days and recover, who is going to be that support for them?" she asks.
"I do think the shelters have been doing the best they can. Of course, when you're managing folks for the whole day, there is a higher risk of transmission within that setting," says Cathy Foote, a housing specialist.
With rental costs and COVID-19 cases on the rise, having a safe place to call their own is yet another hurdle.
The Harvest House's executive director says those previously staying at the emergency shelter are now being offered support at the lion's club until it is safe for them to return.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures
The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.
Tabloid publisher says he pledged to be Trump campaign's 'eyes and ears' during 2016 race
A veteran tabloid publisher testified Tuesday that he pledged to be Donald Trump 's 'eyes and ears' during his 2016 presidential campaign, recounting how he promised the then-candidate that he would help suppress stories that had the potential to harm the Republican's election bid.