The coronavirus pandemic is exposing health inequities that have long existed, experts say, while non-profit organizations predict a variety of supports will be needed for a long time.

Advocates for the Downtown Eastside camp say the plan is only focused on the most visible of Vancouver's homeless, and that thousands more need those hotel units first.

The transition — meant to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus within groups of people already at risk — will be a temporary one with the goal of moving people into longer-term housing at a later date, officials are promising.

Social Development Minister Shane Simpson is expected to make the formal announcement on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Saint John is one of four Canadian cities taking part in a national project on violence against women.