Upper Room Soup Kitchen 'taking every precaution' to get meals to clients during pandemic

The Upper Room Soup Kitchen is making changes to the way it serves its clients in an effort to protect them and its staff.

Hot meals are still being served daily, but the pandemic forced the soup kitchen in Charlottetown to shut down its dining room in March.

Meals will still be offered for takeout only until the restrictions put in place because of COVID-19 are lifted.

Mike MacDonald, the executive director of the Upper Room, said changes have also been made to its operations to ensure staff are able to follow physical distancing guidelines.

The staff of two are still busy preparing meals daily.

But the number of volunteers who help prepare and hand out the meals has been cut from four to one. 

MacDonald said it was necessary to protect staff, volunteers and clients. He said it was critical that the service continue to be provided. 

"Certainly it's had an impact on the service we're providing, but I guess the main thing that we are doing is we continue to serve our clients and it's just a different way to serve them," said MacDonald.

"We're taking every precaution that we can to ensure the safety of our staff, our volunteers and, of course, our clients as well."

Demand is increasing 

MacDonald said the soup kitchen is keeping up with demand, which has been increasing.

The soup kitchen is now serving close to 900 meals every week, an increase of about 150 meals a week. 

Not only is demand increasing, but so are donations of both food and money.

MacDonald said seeing the number of donations roll in day after day is heartwarming.

"We're extremely fortunate to live in this province and in this community," he said.

"The public has certainly stepped up to support our operations. Not only the food bank and soup kitchen here in Charlottetown, but across the province."

The soup kitchen is open and serves lunch seven days a week. Supper is served Monday to Friday.

"The majority of the individuals we are seeing are just happy to get a nice, warm, hot meal and are grateful to our staff and our volunteers."

COVID-19: What you need to know

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Tiredness.

But more serious symptoms can develop, including difficulty breathing and pneumonia, which can lead to death.

Health Canada has built a self-assessment tool.

What should I do if I feel sick?

Isolate yourself and call 811. Do not visit an emergency room or urgent care centre to get tested. A health professional at 811 will give you advice and instructions.

How can I protect myself?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Clean regularly touched surfaces regularly.

• Practise physical distancing.

More detailed information on the outbreak is available on the federal government's website.

More COVID-19 stories from CBC P.E.I.