McMaster University makes residence rooms and meals available to Hamilton healthcare workers

Hamilton | Ontario | COVID | Latest News |

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Published January 20, 2021 at 10:37 am

McMaster University announced Wednesday (Jan. 20) that it has made residence rooms and meals available to healthcare workers in Hamilton.

The university says the services are available at a cost for those “seeking a safe, affordable place to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Single-person stays can be reserved for three to 14 days in one of the 20 available rooms. More rooms may be added if there is increased demand, says McMaster University.

Staff at the residence is being provided by the Thrive Group, a community-based charitable organization.

“This is an important part of McMaster’s commitment to the community,” says Kevin Beatty, the university’s director of Housing and Conference Services. “We appreciate the critical work that healthcare workers are doing on behalf of everyone, and we are honoured to play this role in Hamilton’s pandemic effort.”

The university says those who are working in high-risk environments, but are currently COVID free, will be able to come and go for work while staying in a residence room.

Anyone residing on campus who subsequently contracts COVID will be able to carry out their mandatory isolation period in another designated area of the residence.

The two groups will be separated within the residence according to public-health protocols.

“Our front-line heroes will appreciate knowing this opportunity is available,” says Thrive Group’s vice-president business strategy, Vickie Baird. “The last thing they should have to worry about is finding a safe, affordable, alternative place to stay, if they believe staying at home puts those they live with at risk.”

The residence spaces are available because McMaster is holding its classes online for the winter term, and the university says only a small number of international students are staying in other residence buildings.

Health and service workers who are interested in arranging accommodations are invited to contact the Thrive Group by calling 289-309-8477 ext. 560, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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