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Source: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/City+shelters+could+close+doors+outbreak+occurs/1908027/story.html
Calgary shelters could close doors if outbreak occurs
By Colette Derworiz, Calgary HeraldAugust 19, 2009 7:08 AM
CALGARY - Calgary's shelters could close their doors -- or even lock sick people inside -- to prevent the spread of illness should an H1N1 outbreak hit the city's homeless population.
Officials with local shelters and service agencies have been meeting with Alberta Health Services to prepare a pandemic response plan, which should be ready later this month.
Although the efforts so far have focused on preventive measures, such as handwashing and vaccines, the plans will also prepare for the worst-case scenario.
"It really is about the backup staff and closing the doors," said Carlene Donnelly, executive director of the Calgary Urban Project Society, a non-profit organization that has taken the lead on planning. "It really would come down to literally shutting doors.
"But really, at the end of the day, there is no way we could handle them all being transient when they are sick, so it could come down to not just closing the doors, but closing the doors and not letting them out."
The plans are part of a greater effort by Alberta Health Services to prepare for a potential flu outbreak this fall.
Tim Richter, president of the Calgary Homeless Foundation, said he's concerned the homeless population won't get the attention it requires in the pandemic plans.
"The homeless population needs a specific focus for a (few) reasons," he said. "First, they tend to have fairly compromised health. They are packed quite together quite tightly. Third, they don't necessarily have the means to or the ability to care for themselves.
"The hospitals say, 'If you are sick, stay home and drink lots of fluid and take two Advil,'" he said. "Well, how can a person who is homeless go home? If they go home, they are going to a shelter. And if they are going to a shelter, they are around other people, so we are concerned."
Richter said a typical cold or flu spreads through shelters "like wildfire," so it'll be really tough to prevent and contain.
"We have put this as an issue of concern that we are hoping Housing and Urban Affairs is paying attention to," he said.
Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs referred comment to the provincial health ministry.
John Tuckwell, spokesman for Alberta Health and Wellness, said homeless people could end up being part of the vulnerable group who would be first in line for vaccine and require specialized attention.
"It's not finalized," he said, noting they are working directly with Housing and Urban Affairs to connect with the specific shelters and agencies.
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Calgary shelters could close doors if outbreak occurs
By Colette Derworiz, Calgary HeraldAugust 19, 2009 7:08 AM
CALGARY - Calgary's shelters could close their doors -- or even lock sick people inside -- to prevent the spread of illness should an H1N1 outbreak hit the city's homeless population.
Officials with local shelters and service agencies have been meeting with Alberta Health Services to prepare a pandemic response plan, which should be ready later this month.
Although the efforts so far have focused on preventive measures, such as handwashing and vaccines, the plans will also prepare for the worst-case scenario.
"It really is about the backup staff and closing the doors," said Carlene Donnelly, executive director of the Calgary Urban Project Society, a non-profit organization that has taken the lead on planning. "It really would come down to literally shutting doors.
"But really, at the end of the day, there is no way we could handle them all being transient when they are sick, so it could come down to not just closing the doors, but closing the doors and not letting them out."
The plans are part of a greater effort by Alberta Health Services to prepare for a potential flu outbreak this fall.
Tim Richter, president of the Calgary Homeless Foundation, said he's concerned the homeless population won't get the attention it requires in the pandemic plans.
"The homeless population needs a specific focus for a (few) reasons," he said. "First, they tend to have fairly compromised health. They are packed quite together quite tightly. Third, they don't necessarily have the means to or the ability to care for themselves.
"The hospitals say, 'If you are sick, stay home and drink lots of fluid and take two Advil,'" he said. "Well, how can a person who is homeless go home? If they go home, they are going to a shelter. And if they are going to a shelter, they are around other people, so we are concerned."
Richter said a typical cold or flu spreads through shelters "like wildfire," so it'll be really tough to prevent and contain.
"We have put this as an issue of concern that we are hoping Housing and Urban Affairs is paying attention to," he said.
Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs referred comment to the provincial health ministry.
John Tuckwell, spokesman for Alberta Health and Wellness, said homeless people could end up being part of the vulnerable group who would be first in line for vaccine and require specialized attention.
"It's not finalized," he said, noting they are working directly with Housing and Urban Affairs to connect with the specific shelters and agencies.
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