Article content continued
“Some, not all, people need to be taking this more seriously. I know there are a lot of people who already are. We need to understand that it’s still here and it’s not going away any time soon,” said Genung over the phone.
CBE already facing $2.4-million deficit as costs for COVID continue to rise
After only two months of grappling with the financial challenges of COVID-19, public school officials are estimating a $2.4-million budget deficit this year with expectations that costs for subs, cleaning and PPE will grow even more into the winter.
“This pandemic is a very challenging and dynamic event and the needs can change dramatically in a short period of time,” said Brad Grundy, chief financial officer with the Calgary Board of Education.
At CBE, 69 new cases of COVID 19 have been reported at schools over the last two weeks, with 10 schools seeing outbreaks of two or more cases. Overall, up to 5,086 students and 452 staff have had to self-isolate in the last month.
‘Terrified’: Calgary homeless leaving shelters after fresh COVID-19 outbreaks
Outbreaks at two shelters have left Calgary’s homeless terrified to come in out of the cold for fear of catching COVID-19, says a group that helps people living on the streets.
Be The Change YYC provides food, water, blankets, hygiene supplies, tents and tarps three nights a week in the city’s downtown.
Founder Chaz Smith said virus outbreaks at the Calgary Drop-In Centre and Alpha House have left the homeless facing a difficult choice.
