Norm Derheim, a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, loads up his deliveries in this 2017 file photo. After COVID-19 interrupted the normal delivery routine, volunteers are starting to take the role over again.--FILE PHOTO
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
The seniors who have traditionally volunteered their time to deliver Meals on Wheels are starting to do so again, says the city.
Throughout the COVID-19 lockdown and since, city employees have been doing the delivery of meals to protect the volunteer drivers who are seniors and considered to be in a vulnerable demographic.
Now that is about to change.
Aaron Nelson, manager of community connections and support for the city, says the transition is under way.
A meeting with volunteers took place Monday and they are expected to resume delivery next week.
The city has put various safety protocols in place for the drivers, clients and staff.
There are signs up at the Veiner Centre, where the meals are prepared, reminding drivers that they should not enter if they have any symptoms of COVID-19. They are also required to sign in, should any contact tracing be required.
The volunteers also have a large area at the centre to maintain social distancing while they are waiting to load the meals.
There is appropriate hand sanitizer to be used when entering and leaving the building. They also have hand sanitizer with them to use after every meal is delivered.
They will be provided with masks and be encouraged to wear them if travelling in a vehicle with someone else or when physical distancing is not possible, said Nelson.
Volunteers will take meals out of Styrofoam packaging, place it in a plastic bag before delivering it to the client’s door. They will only enter a client’s home if the client has limited mobility and is not able to collect the meal from the doorstep, said Nelson. They will maintain physical distancing and/or wear a mask.
The volunteers have not been completely out of contact with the Meals on Wheels clients. Some made regular phone calls to those who have come to know them and in many cases consider them friends.
