By rdnewsNOW staff

Thrift Stores Close

Salvation Army ramps up efforts to help combat coronavirus

Mar 23, 2020 | 7:00 AM

The Salvation Army is ramping up its efforts to help prevent the spread of coronavirus in Canada.

With community transmission of COVID-19 now underway, the organization is taking unprecedented measures to limit exposure to the virus.

· Effective March 17, ALL thrift stores across Canada are closed to the public for shopping, but will continue to accept donations of goods until further notice. Thrift stores will continue to support crisis needs of their respective community and family services operations.

· The Salvation Army’s social services are supporting communities based on instruction from local public health agencies and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

· Salvation Army shelters, and other ministry units, are implementing best practices to ensure staff and clients stay safe and healthy, which includes proper handwashing procedures and coughing/sneezing techniques. Staff with possible symptoms/exposure are also encouraged to stay home and reduce the risk of transmission. All non-essential staff are working off-site at home.

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· Social distancing measure have been put into practice, with adjustments being made to the organization’s feeding programs, such as providing bags of food instead of sit-down meals.

“From coast to coast, The Salvation Army is heeding advice from the government and health authorities to protect the safety of the 1.6 million people we serve each year, as well as our officers, employees and volunteers,” says Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd, national leader of The Salvation Army, in a release. “We continue to stand by our communities to bring help and hope and we applaud the Government of Canada’s Economic Response Plan, which aims to provide support to Canadians facing hardship as a result of COVID-19. We acknowledge that recent measures to contain the spread of the virus will have a long-term impact on people’s well-being and we are committed to working with all levels of government as we serve the most vulnerable.”

“This is a fluid situation that we are keeping a close watch on,” adds Lt-Colonel John P. Murray, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. “Decisions may need to change as circumstances and health directions evolve. As we navigate these challenging times, our actions will be guided by our mission, our values and evidence-based information published by local health authorities and the Public Health Agency of Canada.”

For more information about The Salvation Army, or to make a donation in support of the COVID-19 response, please visit www.SalvationArmy.ca.