The Canadian government has allocated $23.7 million to expand and underwrite self-isolation facilities in Toronto, Ottawa, Peel, York and Durham regions for the next six months. The initiative ties in with Ontario’s high-priority community strategy, which earmarks 15 designated neighbourhoods for a targeted intensified response to COVID-19.

The newly announced funding will add about 1,600 rooms to the existing complement of 374 in the GTA municipalities. Canada-wide, $100 million has been committed to help municipalities and health regions establish safe self-isolation sites for people who do not have accommodations to stay separate from others.

“The Safe Voluntary Isolation Sites Program will support communities across Ontario, providing direct assistance to those who are unable to safely self-isolate at home,” confirms Minister of Health Patty Hajdu. “As we work with the Province of Ontario and directly with communities to stop the spread of COVID-19 and variants of concern, we need to make sure that Canadians have tools available to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Typically, local public health officials refer eligible occupants and monitor operation of the facilities. Oversight bodies have also been urged to confer on service delivery and share best practices.