The Town of Sidney is opening a new shower facility for homeless and vulnerable people needing access to spaces where they can maintain personal hygiene practices.
In a statement on Thursday, the municipality announced that the shower facility with access to toiletries and towels will be located at Iroquois Park and open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
See also: B.C. announces extra $300 per month for seniors and people on income, disability assistance
This step was made possible thanks to donations from local businesses.
Tyneham Luxury Products donated toiletries for the shower facility, including soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, and the Best Western Plus Emerald Isle Hotel in Sidney donated the towels that will be available.
Sidney’s three public washrooms, located at Fourth Street, Tulista Park, and Iroquois Park will remain open for use, and will be sanitized multiple times a day.
“The Town has undertaken this initiative to ensure all members of our community can maintain vital personal hygiene practices during this public health emergency,” reads their statement.
The shower facility hours coincide with the adjacent Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank which runs a food hamper program on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the food bank is currently open for extra food pick-ups on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The township also issued a call for online donations to the food bank citing an urgent need due to growing demand.
Donations can be made online at www.splfoodbank.com/donate or by phone at 250-655-0679.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
According to the latest updates, there are 1,066 cases of COVID-19 in British Columbia, including 72 on Vancouver Island.
In good news, a total of 606 people have now recovered from the virus in B.C.
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 1,003,834.
Over 51,500 people have died from the illness and 210,500 have made a full recovery.
