The City of Windsor is blasting the Executive Director of the Downtown Mission after five people from what it calls a "rogue" homeless shelter at the former Central Library Branch tested positive for COVID-19.
They were among ten who walked to the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre Wednesday morning to get tested after Mayor Drew Dilkens made the offer.
"The result of rapid testing at the Aquatic Centre confirmed the fears that City Administration expressed when the leadership of the Mission established the rogue shelter," read a statement issued by Dilkens' Chief of Staff, Andrew Teliszewsky. "Mixing COVID-positive persons with others has now exposed all those patrons and staff congregating at the Library site overnight to at least three individuals who it has been determined to be COVID-positive."
Ron Dunn at the Mission said he only opened the shelter at the library after dozens of people were turned away from the Aquatic Centre earlier in the week. He disputed claims he violated an order from the Windsor Essex County Health Unit to shut the library location down.
"By opening disobeying Dr. [Wajid] Ahmed's order, Mr. Dunn has put the health and safety of all his clients and staff at risk," continued the city's statement. "Sadly this all could have been avoided if these individuals had presented themselves sooner for rapid testing and accessing the appropriate shelter options."
Dunn told BlackburnNews.com he understood the order was to stop admitting people.
The city said all those who were tested were either placed in isolation at a motel, at the Salvation Army or the Aquatic Centre.
"Instead of staging ill-advised media events, which risk further exposures, Mr. Dunn should concentrate on taking the steps necessary to re-open the Victoria Avenue site consistent with public health advice," the statement concluded.
The Downtown Mission's shelter has been closed since last month because of an outbreak of COVID-19.
