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By Dylana Kneeshaw

COVID-19 IN THE CITY

Social agencies, Interior Health working to contain COVID-19 increase in Kamloops homeless population

Feb 23, 2021 | 4:08 PM

KAMLOOPS — As seen with community transmission case counts, the Kamloops homeless population is also dealing with an increase in COVID-19 infections. More people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops are testing positive, but the City and Interior Health say there is a plan in place to try and mitigate spread.

Throughout the pandemic, social agencies have worked with health authorities to be ready for potential virus spread in shelters and within vulnerable populations. Recently, that preparation has been put to use.

“We are seeing more activity in the Kamloops unhoused population.” IH Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton told CFJC Today, noting that the health authority is doing what it can to limit transmission.

“We’re working very diligently with our partners. We’ve got our NGO partners in the shelters, our outreach workers and BC Housing is also working with us to make sure that everyone that needs a safe place to self isolate has access to that.”

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Social and Community Development Supervisor Ty Helgason says once someone is identified as virus-positive, they’re able to access one of the self-isolation units available around the City.

“Then in that unit, they receive the same meals as they would in shelter. There are health navigators and things like that, that ensure they’re receiving whatever other supports they might have in shelter,” he explains. “Everything they have comes along with them so they don’t slip through the cracks in any way.”

So far, none of the shelter spaces have been shut down, and they’ve made sure to limit how many clients are staying in each facility to make room for adequate distancing. Dr. Fenton says the increase is likely mirroring what was happening in the community.

“I expect the reason why we’re seeing more cases in that population now is again — just the reflection of general rates that we are seeing in the Thompson Cariboo and in Kamloops. The more risk of exposure, the more likely it’s going to happen.”

When there is no fixed address or phone number, it can be tricky to contact trace. But Helgason notes that social agencies are familiar with the people who use their services and have made sure to communicate frequently with each other.

“The City, IH, BC Housing — everybody speaks weekly. There’s a lot of anecdotal information exchanged just through conversation and it’s really enabled us to respond in this way that hopefully is keeping as many people safe as possible.”

Helgason reiterates there are still safe beds available in shelters and isolation spaces ready for those trying to prevent others from getting sick.