Community isolation centre established

Contributed

The City of Brooks has established Community Isolation Centres for close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

These centres are specifically for those who may have difficulty self-isolating at home.

Self-isolation means avoiding situations where you could infect other people.

Unique housing situations, such as multigenerational households or overcrowded homes, make it difficult for some residents to self-isolate.

The goal of these centres is to protect those who may be more vulnerable, support business continuity for workplaces and limit the spread of COVID-19.

“I am grateful that our community is coming together to accommodate those in need,” says Mayor Barry Morishita. “We are working with our local social service providers to ensure privacy and safety of those utilizing the service.”

Referrals to the Community Isolation Centres will be made by Alberta Health Services (AHS) Public Health. Members of the Community Response Committee will provide transportation, meals, translation services if needed, and daily check-ins daily to ensure the overall wellbeing of those in isolation.

Service agencies on the committee include the City of Brooks, AHS, the SPEC Association for Children and Families, Brooks and County Immigration Services (BCIS), Global Village Centre and Grasslands FCSS.

It is crucial that our community members continue to stay home, maintain physical distancing, self-isolate and practice good hygiene; wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes and avoid touching your face.

Monitor symptoms such as a cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing.

If you think you may have COVID-19, take the selfassessment test at Myhealth.Albetrta.ca and follow instructions.

For more information about the Community Isolation Centres, please contact Kevin Swanson Director of Emergency Management/Fire Chief City of Brooks through email at: kswanson@brooks.ca or call 403-362-2331.