Bruce Power is working with regional leaders and public health officials to leverage its emergency response logistics support capabilities in the event that additional community capacity is required for responding to the burden from the COVID-19 outbreak.

In an April 7 media release, this initiative was first announced by the Grey-Bruce Health Unit and focuses on enabling a ‘surge’ capacity of up to 200 beds in Grey, Bruce and Huron that could be deployed by regional officials. Bruce Power has been sourcing and ordering supplies such as beds, dividers, linens, mattresses along with services including laundry, food and cleaning.

Critical care will continue to be delivered at area hospitals while the recovery centres could be used to provide additional patient support, including non-critical overflow patients who may be returning to long-term care or retirement facilities when the pandemic is over.

This initiative is a cooperative effort of municipal and county governments, supported by public health, regional hospitals and local service clubs. Any communications and guidance on activation of these facilities will be directed by regional officials.