A downtown London drop-in space for homeless people has been closed after two positive COVID-19 cases were confirmed.
The City of London confirmed the closure of the day-space at the Talbot Street Church late Tuesday. The space was one of two opened as part of the emergency winter response relief program to give people living on the streets a safe place to go during the colder months.
It had been scheduled to close for the season on March 31. However, city officials made the decision to shut it down a week early "out of an abundance of caution" after two people tested positive for the virus.
"The City of London, together with community partners, is working in full cooperation with the Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) in response to this," the city said. "Multiple close contacts have been identified. Any staff who were working during that time and were in close contact with the individuals have been identified and have either been tested or have been directed to be tested, and will be self-isolating for 14 days."
A second day-space at the Hamilton Road Seniors’ Centre remains open. It is taking in people who were relying on the Talbot Street space.
"At all times, staff who provide services to individuals are in full personal protective equipment for their protection and for the protection of those they serve," the city reassured.
Two temporary overnight shelters are also continuing to operate at York and Colborne streets and at 652 Elizabeth St., near McMahen Park.