Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission reports COVID-19 cases in October

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver has reported more COVID-19 cases at its Hastings Street location and emergency shelter.

The organization posted a statement Thursday to inform the public of five people who had the virus and were at UGM in October.

A community member who had been staying at the Hastings location and an outreach worker have tested positive for the virus. They were both at the shelter last on Oct. 22.

Earlier in the month, shelter and outreach workers who were at the Hastings facility and at the emergency shelter tested positive for COVID-19. Their last shifts were Oct. 14 and 19.

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Another outreach worker with COVID-19 had been at both facilities as well this month. Their last shift was Oct. 16.

According to UGM, health authorities are providing care and guidance to them while contact tracers are informing close contacts.

Staff members won’t be returning to UGM until they are cleared to do so by health authorities and they are currently self-isolating, UGM adds.

Anyone at risk for the virus will be contacted by health officials.

UGM will not be providing the identities of the confirmed cases to protect the “the privacy and dignity of our community.”

In order to ensure the safety of others, a series of protocols are taking place, including extra cleaning, providing masks for those who request one, and physical distancing measures with Plexi-glass in high-traffic areas.

“We are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our guests, many of whom rely on UGM for meals, shelter and safety daily for survival. Their lives are on the line, and we will continue to serve them with dignity and respect through new extra measures to keep our community safe,” the statement reads.

In September, a resident of UGM’s transitional housing program tested positive for the coronavirus.

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