The Omicron variant has made its way into one of the province’s must vulnerable populations.

Gathering Place Executive Director Paul Davis says last week they had a guest who was symptomatic and subsequently tested positive.

Since then more positive cases have been identified, though Davis is hesitant on giving exact numbers at this time.

As well, he says since Christmas they have had several staff that have had to go into insolation, and some who have tested positive.

There are protocols in place to protect staff and guests, with Davis noting that some services have been suspended since late December due to the Omicron outbreak.

Davis says the centre remains open. He says those who are symptomatic or test positive are isolating within the building. With funding from the federal government, Homelessness St. John’s has set up a “COVID hotel” and eventually people who are symptomatic or test positive are moved there.