The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and to reducing the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Self-isolation remains one of the most effective ways to help stop the spread of COVID-19. However, for some people in Canada, crowded housing conditions and high costs can make it unsafe or impossible to self-isolate, putting themselves, their families, and communities at risk through no fault of their own.
Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced that funding for the Safe Voluntary Isolation Sites Program (SVISP) will be extended until March 2023. An additional $68.4 million will be provided for safe voluntary isolation sites across Canada over the next year to help people who have COVID-19 - or have been exposed to it - access safe isolation accommodations to keep themselves, their families, and their community safe.
The SVISP directly supports cities, municipalities, and health regions across Canada that are at-risk of COVID-19 community transmission. Sites selected under the Program will continue to provide an accessible location where people can safely self-isolate for the required period. Access to these sites is completely voluntary and local public health officials determine eligibility and manage all aspects of the sites.
With this additional funding, the Government of Canada is providing over $181 million to the Safe Voluntary Isolation Sites Program, which is helping communities in Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and the Yukon, with their isolation needs.
