The Ministry of Legal Affairs is aware of false information being circulated on social media relating to the shelter in place facility at CedarBridge Academy. The information that has been shared and distributed throughout the community is false. The facts are as follows:
On April 12, 2020, at approximately 8:15 pm an individual arrived at the temporary 24-hour shelter located at CedarBridge Academy. He was told that the shelter was not accepting any new registrations as the facility is maintaining shelter in place regulations.
The man advised St. John's Ambulance volunteers that during the current lockdown period he had been living with an immediate family member, but that was no longer feasible. The individual presented no COVID 19 symptoms. He was screened, as a precautionary measure, during which concerns were raised due to some of the answers given.
The man provided an additional next of kin information. Several attempts were made to reach another immediate relative. Eventually, the relative of the man was contacted. The family member was hesitant and guarded about answering any questions regarding the individual.
St. John's volunteers contacted their field manager to relay their concerns and those of the staff regarding the situation and to recommend testing. They were advised that given the circumstances and while the man was not presenting with symptoms, the best option was to secure him in an isolated area and request for testing in the morning.
Shortly after 9 pm, the decision was made to keep the individual isolated in a designated area in a completely separate room located away from other residents. A security guard was stationed outside the area to ensure that he did not leave the classroom, and no residents had contact with him.
At no time did he have contact with any shelter resident.
The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs was apprised of the facts.
The man was immediately updated regarding the situation. He was informed that he would not be able to remain at the shelter for reasons previously shared. He was given breakfast and left the shelter. It should be stated that he was very cordial and went without incident. There was no evidence that the man had returned on a recent flight.
In closing, it must be reiterated, at no point, were any residents or staff at the temporary shelter placed at risk. We recognize that the residents in the shelter are very concerned about their safety. We wish to assure them, the staff and the volunteers that we are committed to the best practices that aim to prevent the transmission and mitigate the spread of COVID 19.