COVID-19 Response Framework for People Experiencing Homelessness

Homelessness, Risk Stratification, Testing Protocols

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This guide written by physician and public health experts provides specific recommendations for providing front-line support for the homeless on Covid 19 testing, surveillance, communication, risk stratification, providing isolation shelters and cohorting Covid 19 positive cases in community-based shelters.

Due to the unique circumstances of serving people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, service providers should connect with their respective provincial or territorial public health authorities to ensure that any measures taken to effectively service this extremely vulnerable population are in line with the service standard levels required by the province or territory, while continuing to meet the needs of this group, per this guiding document.

    Download this resource

    How to use this resource:

    • Facilitate discussion about the unique needs of those experiencing homelessness during a pandemic and how best to support their immediate health needs
    • Develop best-practices for support programs and shelters
    • Develop policies to support front-line organizations and support workers

    References

    • Resource: Public Health Agency of Canada guidance on case and contact management
    • Resource: Public Health Agency of Canada guidance on vulnerable populations and COVID-19
    • Resource: Public Health Agency of Canada guidance on isolating in the home or co-living setting
    • Resource: Public Health Agency of Canada guidance on educating staff on protection from potential COVID-19 cases

    Engaging for Health Equity is a project of the Division of Social Accountability.

    The DSA is proud to be a part of the Saskatoon Inter-Agency Response to COVID-19 and for the critical equity-informed work that is happening in Saskatoon.

    Important: For public health recommendations on COVID–19 (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and risk, and travel advice), please visit the Government of Canada’s website.

    For Saskatchewan COVID-19 news and information, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.

    The DSA office is situated in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis and we acknowledge Saskatchewan as the traditional territory of First Nations and Métis people, which includes Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10. We pay our respect to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. We recognize the legacies of colonialism and systemic racism in Saskatchewan, which requires focused and sustained societal efforts as we confront historical and contemporary injustices and achieve health equity for all.