End Homelessness Winnipeg

Together we can end homelessness in Winnipeg

COVID-19 Resources For Providers

These resources have been compiled to support agencies delivering essential services for those experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg. For up to date information on Public Health guidance and best practices for COVID-19, visit Shared Health Manitoba. For information on community resources and services available to individuals experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg during the pandemic, visit 211 or HelpSeeker, or our Services & Supports page.

Quick Links

Vaccination

Anyone aged 5 and up is eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Call 1-844-626-8222 to book a vaccination appointment for yourself or with an individual you are supporting. People booking by phone can access service in over 100 languages and request professional interpreter services to be arranged for their appointment at a super site. People with an email address and health card number can also book online.  People can also use the Vaccine Finder to locate a community clinic or pharmacy that provides the vaccine, and contact it directly to book an appointment. All vaccine providers have a process for immunizing eligible people who present without a health card. People without a health card should bring any other ID they have. People can bring a support person. To receive the vaccine, a completed consent form is required. You can print the form here to fill it out ahead of an appointment.

Vaccines are administered in two doses, spaced several weeks apart. Additional (booster)  doses are available to anyone aged 12 and up, five or six months after a second dose. To book a second or booster dose appointment, you will need to know when you received your last dose and the type of vaccine you received. If you do not recall this information and you have a Manitoba Health card, you can visit the Shared Health website to access this information. If you do not have a Manitoba Health card, you can contact a public health office. 

If you have received and seek proof of your vaccination, you can request an immunization card online if you have a Health card, or by calling 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222). You can  request proof of immunization at a public health office if you do not have a Health card. Proof of immunization and a piece of government-issued photo ID may be required to enter some premises. Proof of immunization and ID are not required to access most essential services like grocery stores, libraries, emergency shelters or drop-in meal programs.

Sharing accurate information about vaccination is critical, to support individuals making informed choices and plans. Download, print or share the following factsheets, posters and information:

COVID-19 Screening, Testing and Isolation

What to Ask: Screening

Your employer may have a staff screening process in place for you to complete prior to each shift. Clients and visitors may also be screened. The Shared Health Online Screening Tool can help assess symptoms to determine whether testing is advised or further information and direction is needed from Health Links, Primary Care or 911. The Screening Tool is available in Interactive Voice Response format by calling 1-877-308-9038. In cases where the Screening Tool is unavailable, the following print resources can assist:

A mask or face covering may be required for entry to some indoor locations, which may also require physical distancing while indoors. Some locations may also request a temperature check before entry, or hand washing or sanitizing using supplies provided.

What to Do: If an Individual Presents with Symptoms or Isolation Needs

Symptomatic individuals may wish to complete a rapid antigen test if screening indicates the possibility of COVID-19, and the individual does not require urgent medical attention. Rapid antigen test kits are currently available free of charge people at many locations across the province. PCR testing is also available through primary health care providers for individuals who meet PCR test eligibility criteria. Call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257, or contact a Primary Care provider, for further information and direction as needed. Symptomatic individuals may need or wish to isolate from others. Where an individual requires transportation support to access testing or isolation, you may choose to:

  • Accompany the individual on foot, maintaining physical distance of at least six feet.
  • Call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 to arrange a pick-up time for WRHA COVID-19 transportation with Blue Line.
  • Provide cab fare and a mask. Keep the windows of the cab open if at all possible and position the individual as far apart from the driver as possible.
  • While waiting for transportation, ensure the symptomatic individual maintains physical distance of at least six feet from others and wears a mask. If possible, have the individual wait in a designated area or room for symptomatic segregation that is disinfected following use.
  • Driving an individual using a personal or work vehicle is not advised. If you choose to transport an individual to testing, ensure that you wear PPE and that the individual wears a mask. Keep the windows of the vehicle open if at all possible. Position yourself and the passenger as far apart as possible. Disinfect interior surfaces of the vehicle after the trip, wearing disposable gloves that are placed in the trash after use.

If Screening or Health Links indicate that a visit to Primary Care is required, but Primary Care sites are closed because it is after hours, call 431-277-5374 to inform the Alternative Isolation Accommodations manager of arrival and client information; then call Inter Facility Transport at 204-986-8410 to arrange a pick up for transportation to after hours testing and isolation. Otherwise, individuals may be directed to urgent care or emergency.

If an individual appears in medical distress or displays difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, drowsiness or loss of consciousness, call 911.

What Happens Next: Quarantine and Isolation

Following testing, an individual may need or wish to isolate from others. To accommodate these needs for individuals experiencing homelessness, low-barrier quarantine and isolation spaces have been established by Main Street Project and the WRHA.  The Province of Manitoba has also established alternative spaces for anyone experiencing difficulty isolating. Ensure individuals discuss their options for isolation with their testing or care provider, so they can access an appropriate space as needed.

Timelines for COVID-19 PCR test results can vary. Once available, results may be accessed online or by calling Health Links at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. Individuals who provide a cellphone number at testing may receive a text message letting them know when their results are available online.

Information to Share: Infographics, Posters and Fact Sheets

Individuals may face barriers to accessing accurate health information on COVID-19. It is extremely important to share accessible and reliable health and prevention information with everyone in the community. Place the plain language posters, graphics and fact sheets below in shared spaces, or print copies to distribute:

How to Help Safely: COVID-19 Guidelines for Serving People Experiencing Homelessness in Winnipeg

What to Wear: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Non-Medical Cloth Masks

If you are able to maintain physical distancing of at least six feet from others, wear a non-medical cloth mask, and wash or sanitize hands frequently, PPE may not be necessary. In other cases, eye protection or face shields, procedure masks or respirator masks, and/or disposable gloves or gowns may be worn for personal protection by direct service staff.

Eye protection and face shields should be disinfected and reused if possible. Procedure masks should be disposed of every time they are removed, including the end of a shift or if they become wet or soiled. Respirator masks are considered single use. Disposable gloves should be replaced (and hands washed or sanitized) between each contact. In some settings, disposable gowns are advised. Fabric masks and face coverings are not considered PPE but should not be shared, touched by your hands while worn, or used if damp or soiled. If you’re at higher risk of more severe illness if you get COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19 because of your work or living situation, you should wear a non-medical mask or face covering that includes a layer of filter fabric or a replaceable filter; or opt for a well-fitting procedure or respirator mask. Place worn fabric masks or face coverings directly into a bag or washing machine, launder on a hot cycle and dry thoroughly before reuse. Review applicable guidelines below and follow as best possible:

PPE suppliers: Bargains Group; Grainger Canada; Canadian Shield makes eye protection shields. Shelters can request PPE for staff who participate in screening clients, through Shared Health Supply Chain Management: 204-926-3766 or SCMCommandIntake@sharedhealthmb.ca.

Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizer

Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that people touch often (e.g., door handles/knobs, railings, light switches, etc).  Ensure surfaces are cleaned and disinfected at least twice daily. Frequently touched surfaces and objects may need to be cleaned and disinfected more often.

Cleaning removes germs and dirt using soap and warm water. Disinfecting kills germs using diluted bleach (4 tsp bleach/1L  water), 70% alcohol solutions, or EPA-registered household disinfectants. Ensure disinfectant stays on the surface/object for one minute. Soft surfaces and items like rugs, curtains, toys or bedding should be cleaned with appropriate cleaners or in a washing machine using hot water if possible. Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects, and wash or sanitize hands before and after.

Harm Reduction

Shelters/Service Points

Outreach/Drop-ins

Housing First/Housing Supports

Family Violence