KAWARTHA LAKES-There has been two security guards around the clock, outside a City-owned housing complex in Lindsay for the past few weeks.
Residents told Kawartha 411 there have been guards inside the social housing facility for months but recently two guards were added to patrol outside the building as well. The building consists of 24, one-bedroom, geared to income apartments.
Residents, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, told Kawartha 411 that the guards ask anyone entering the building for ID and those who don’t reside there are turned away. She said they also take photos of some people.
A Coronavirus outbreak was declared at the facility on July 1,2021 with more than a dozen residents testing positive for the virus. On Wednesday the Haliburton Kawartha Pine
Ridge District Health Unit explained the virus spreads more easily among this population for a few reasons.
“We know it’s spread when people are in close contact here and some settings where we see a higher risk associated with a population of people who use substances and we will this more often.” Dr Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health, HKPR said. “Our plan is to ensure and enhance access to vaccination and testing.”
As for mandatory quarantines, Dr Bocking says it’s difficult to maintain for this population.
“Within public health, the key is to enable people to successfully quarantine and ensure their needs are met. There is very low-risk an individual may be going to the grocery store or walking down the street.” Bocking states. “There’s mixed messaging of people being told not to use alone while doing opioids and keeping them safe from those other dangers.”
The City says they hired security in May
“Security started in May to manage unwanted guests to support tenants. Security has been increased given the outbreak to further manage guests and to support tenants where possible.” said a statement provided to Kawartha411.
It’s unclear how much this is costing taxpayers. We are waiting for those numbers from the City. Â
