No new COVID-19 cases at homeless encampment in Sudbury
This week in Sudbury, there was an outbreak of COVID-19 in Memorial Park, where there is a growing encampment of homeless people.
Amanda Robichaud, director and chaplain of the Elgin Street Mission, said news of the outbreak is another worry the pandemic has caused for homeless people.
"You look around the park, anyone who has driven by sees new tents popping up all the time and it's really hard to socially distance when you are trying to stay warm, when you have a few people in a tent," said Robichaud.
A testing clinic was set up in the park Thursday, said Gail Spencer, Sudbury's coordinator of shelters and homelessness.
"Community paramedics were set up at Memorial Park so that we could offer testing to anybody who wanted to be swabbed," Spencer said.
"There was a good number of people swabbed and we are happy to say all those tests results have come back negative (Friday)."
The city confirms it has temporary accommodations available for homeless people to self isolate and be treated for COVID-19.
"Since the beginning of the pandemic, the city has put in place a process where people who are experiencing homelessness can be isolated through a local motel," said Spencer.
"We have our outreach van that will transport people safely to the isolation motel if they've tested positive for COVID, or if they have symptoms of COVID, so that they can be tested."
One man we talked to in the park who did not want to appear on camera said that many addicts are more concerned about getting their next fix to avoid getting sick from withdrawals than contracting COVID-19.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.