Toronto’s board of health approves proposal for voluntary coronavirus isolation centres

Toronto’s board of health has approved a proposal that would see the city move towards creating voluntary accommodations for those who test positive for COVID-19 but can’t self-isolate at home.

The proposal calls for the city to seek help from the provincial and federal governments in setting up so-called isolation centres.

The plan must now be presented to the full Toronto city council at its next meeting later this month.

READ MORE: Self-isolation centre opens in Winnipeg

The recommendation was put forward by the city’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, who noted many Torontonians share their living space with others.

Documents filed with the board say other cities, such as New York and Chicago, have set up such facilities where people who test positive for the virus can isolate themselves for free.

Toronto previously created similar accommodations for people experiencing homelessness who need to isolate due to COVID-19.

Coun. Joe Cressy, who chairs the board, said in a statement that the risk of contracting COVID-19 “shouldn’t depend on where you live, how much you make, or how many bathrooms you have in your home.

“We need to do everything we can to mitigate vulnerabilities to this virus, and to make sure everyone has an equal opportunity to reduce transmission and protect their loved ones,” Cressy said.