If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 and can’t safely self-isolate in your household, you’re eligible to isolate for free at York Region’s new Voluntary Isolation Centre.
People who are awaiting COVID-19 test results, are likely positive or have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 and are having difficulties self-isolating or fear spreading COVID-19 to others in their household are also eligible for free stays of up to 14 days, complete with meals, snacks, Wi-Fi and cable service.
“We know close contact continues to drive the spread of COVID-19 in York Region,” says Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “Every person who self-isolates at the York Region Voluntary Isolation Centre or at home is doing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community and prevent our health-care system from becoming overwhelmed.”
The centre is located inside a hotel in southern York Region. The location is being kept confidential for the privacy and safety of all guests. The Region will also connect eligible residents to available services and emergency financial assistance supports to cover rent, utilities and food so they can take the necessary time off work to self-isolate at the centre or at home.
The Region received funding to operate the centre and provide emergency financial supports through the provincial government’s High Priority Communities Strategy, created to help people in some of the hardest hit neighborhoods self-isolate and keep their families and communities safe. COVID-19 isolation centres are opening in Oshawa and Brampton and two isolation centres serving Toronto are expanding. Ottawa and Peel and Waterloo Regions are also home to isolation centres.
There are 1,563 active COVID-19 cases in York, according to the Region’s COVID-19 dashboard on January 25. Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should visit an assessment centre to get tested. If you’re unsure if you need to self-isolate or get tested, contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653. For eligibility and more information about the Voluntary Isolation Centre, call Access York at 1-877-464-9675, ext. 72500, email [email protected] or visit york.ca/IsolationCentre.
