Multicultural communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 across the world, mainly because these communities are on the frontlines doing the dangerous jobs, readily in contact with the virus, or sick people. This multicultural communities have no government support to enable them tackle the virus, and strategies to educate them about the virus are at best non-existence, and at worst, just empty words.
After the worsening COVID-19 situations in multicultural communities in Alberta, Alberta Health says they have identified 11 communities in Edmonton; Abbottsfield, Castle Downs, Eastwood, Jasper Place, Millwoods West, North East, Northgate, Woodcroft East, and Woodcroft West, and in Calgary; Lower Northeast, and Upper Northeast.
Alberta Premier, Jason Kenney made the announcement at a press conference, on December 15, 2020, after Alberta recorded over 1,500 new COVID-19 cases. The Premier said new programs and support will be available to residents in these communities, such as:
- Self-isolation hotels and financial aid. Individuals in these areas who test positive for COVID-19 will be eligible for a free-of-charge hotel room stay of 14 days, complete with culturally appropriate food. These individuals will also be eligible for temporary financial aid in the amount of $625 when they have completed their self-isolation.
- COVID Care Teams – These community-led outreach teams will provide on-the-ground supports and interventions to limit the spread of the virus. Care packages with masks, sanitizer, and information in multiple languages will be delivered in these areas. Safe transportation to COVID-19 assessment and testing facilities will be available. Outreach will be led and supported by community leaders and local faith and settlement organizations. Translators will also provide support if necessary.
