A social agency in Kamloops says six users have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past six weeks.

Program coordinator for “The Loop” Glenn Hilke says the facility on Tranquille Road was closed down for eight days earlier this month, because of the latest case. It reopened its doors on Jan. 18.

“We weren’t totally closed down. We were just putting meals out the door, as well as we continued to do the meal train everyday for breakfast and lunch. So that’s basically what you would refer to as a meals on wheels type of program.”

Hilke says users of the facility follow COVID-19 safety protocols at all times, saying where each user contracted the virus is not clear.

“The last person who tested positive, we were all shocked. I mean this person was so disciplined, and so diligent,” he says. “It’s the reality of the situation. We’re doing our best to stay open, so that people have somewhere to go to get warm, have something to eat and a place to connect to services.”

Hilke has called for mobile testing services for homeless residents, saying the test has to be brought to where residents with no fixed address access services.