Extreme heat amid pandemic increases risk for Vancouver’s most vulnerable: UGM

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — An organization supporting people who are vulnerable or homeless on the Downtown Eastside says an incoming heatwave during the COVID-19 pandemic will be “extremely challenging.”

The special weather statement was issued Friday, and temperatures are expected to climb to their highest so far this summer over the weekend.

Jeremy Hunka with Union Gospel Mission says a heatwave like the one predicted for Metro Vancouver poses a serious risk to people’s health.

“This is definitely going to catch people off guard. People often talk about the risk of extreme cold but not everyone realizes that extreme heat can be just as dangerous and deadly to people who are homeless or already vulnerable. We have seen people in Metro Vancouver die in the heat. It’s a serious threat,” he says.

“Having a heatwave on top of a pandemic is extremely challenging because it means we’re having to adapt. We have to do our best to provide for people who are vulnerable and in need while maintaining social distancing. ”

He notes research has found the risk of dying from extreme heat is higher in areas like the Downtown Eastside where poverty is prevalent and where there is a lot of concrete and little green space.

The organization is opening its drop-in centre during the hottest parts of the day. Hunka says they are running low on summer clothes and hats, and are accepting donations. They have also been handing out reusable water bottles and sunscreen, but are running low on those items.

Respite from the heat will be more difficult to find amid the pandemic.

On June 23, the City of Vancouver said many of the places people usually rely on have been closed.

“Most of our community centres, libraries, and swimming pools are currently closed. We’re working to safely reopen public buildings that can act as cooling centres. Cooling centre locations will be posted when available.”

With files from Kareem Gouda

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