Odyssey House Emergency Shelter in Grande Prairie has resumed normal operations after having a positive case of identified on May 30. 

The shelter has implemented additional precautionary public health measure for clients and staff. They say that with the individual in a safe separate isolation, Alberta Health Services (AHS) confirmed that the shelter is safe to remain open and provide services to anyone experiencing domestic violence. 

AHS staff came to the shelter to test the individual. Odyssey House worked with their sister shelters and local hotels to modify their services. All individuals accessing the shelter including employees were tested as a precaution and all additional tests came back negative. 

Odyssey House has several measures in place to spread the spread of COVID-19. These include social distancing, cleaning protocols, use of PPE by admitting staff, and asking individuals experiencing symptoms to self-isolate in a self-contained room. 

They report that AHS representatives commended Odyssey House on their procedures and indicated the precautions taken prevented what could have been a more serious situation. 

Odyssey House thanks staff, residents, hotel employees and community partners that assisted during these unique times.