The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has rescinded an order that kept it closed in a bid to suppress an outbreak of COVID-19 that had infected a significant number of staff and guests.
The homeless shelter shut down shortly after the health unit declared the outbreak on February 11. The City of Windsor stepped in and opened the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre to more than 160 guests.
Transitioning services back to the locations on Victoria Avenue and Ouellette Avenue will take a couple of days. As many as 20 residents will move back to the homeless shelter each day until they are all relocated.
"Without the collaboration of agencies that came together during our outbreak, providing emergency shelter to those in need, this incredible transition would not have been possible," said Executive Director Reverend Ron Dunn. "Considering the logistics, that was a huge accomplishment."
The transition was not always smooth. Early on in the Mission's outbreak, several guests were turned away from the Aquatic Centre, prompting Dunn to reopen a temporary shelter at the former Windsor Public Library Central Branch. The City said that violated an order from the health unit. It also said it had room for anyone who needed a place to stay.
During their stay at the Aquatic Centre, over 150 guests received a COVID-19 vaccination.
