North Central Public Health District will continue offering weekly COVID-19 testing at the Community Meal site in The Dalles as long as there is demand.  District health officer Dr. Mimi McDonell said the testing is offered on a volunteer basis, and began in July when three cases of COVID were diagnosed in homeless people who live in the area and had, at times, visited the Community Meal site.  The testing is also offered to volunteers who help out at Community Meal and staff who work there.  McDonell said the testing was set up with the homeless population because they had a higher risk of exposure.  Health district staff also provide masks, hand sanitizer and information at each weekly visit to Community Meals.  The testing is offered Thursday mornings.  The Dalles St. Vincent dePaul houses the meal site.  St. Vincent dePaul executive director Dave Lutgens said they have not had any positive tests since the program began.  Other preventative steps Community Meals has taken includes feeling meals outside.  Packaged food is available in the morning for people to take with them.  People are still allowed onsite to use the laundry and shower services, or to watch TV or go on the computer.