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Health of clients, staff and guests remains top priority for Turning Points

Mar 15, 2020 | 3:04 PM

The Turning Points Collaborative Society in Vernon is working with the Center for Disease Control, Interior Health and stakeholders to deal with concerns of COVID-19

“Individuals experiencing homelessness and individuals who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing more serious complications from a virus outbreak, like COVID-19,” said a news release from the society. “And while the health and safety of our clients, staff and guests is always our top priority, Turning Points has been following the latest information on the spread of COVID-19, and we are responding accordingly.”

The society said it’s being proactive with staff and encouraging clients to adopt best preventative practices as recommended by Health Canada and the Province of British Columbia’s health authorities, which includes the practice of everyday preventive actions like hand washing and the upkeep of personal hygiene.

“We have implemented protocols and guidelines at all our sites based on recommendations from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. This includes the distribution of factual, educational materials to help staff and clients best recognize the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and how best to address a person potentially infected with the virus.”

The society will continue to engage with community partners to ensure we are doing all we can to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and create a safe and healthy community for everybody.

“In addition, we will see some service disruptions at the Turning Points administration office due to COVID-19 concerns. Out of an abundance of caution, we are taking proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of our staff. The office will see a temporary disruption in walk-in services, but clients can still make appointments to access our program co-ordinators and case managers who work out of the administration office.”

Effective at 5 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2020, the Turning Points Collaborative Society administration office will be closed until further notice.

Clients of WorkBC, the Homeless Prevention Program or the Homeless Outreach Provider will be still be seen, however, by appointment only. Drop-in clients will not be accepted.

Clients who need to connect or make an appointment with these services can still do so.

To contact the Homeless Prevention Program coordinator, Eric Denison Call (250) 542-3555 ext 211 or email eric.denison@turningpoints.ngo

To contact the Homeless Outreach Program coordinator, Kelly Denis Call (250) 542-3555 ext 210 or email kelly.denis2@turningpoints.ngo

To contact WorkBC case manager contact, Rachelle Tessier Call (250) 542-3555 ext 204 or email rachelle.tessier@turningpoints.ngo

To contact WorkBC case manager contact, Malmie Gunawardena Call (250) 542-3555 ext 208 or email malmie.gunawardena@turningpoints.ngo

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