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DATE: April 13, 2020
CONTACT: Doug Bear, Joint Information Center Manager at dbear@co.kitsap.wa.us.
(KITSAP COUNTY, Wash.) A temporary quarantine and isolation care center for people who have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19 is ready in South Kitsap. Starting on Monday, April 13, the facility will accept patients referred by healthcare providers or public health officials in Kitsap County.
The site, located at the Pilgrim Firs Camp and Conference Center in South Kitsap, gives health officials through Kitsap County’s multiagency Emergency Operations Center (EOC) a key tool in the battle against the spread of COVID-19 locally.
“To slow the spread of COVID-19, it’s vital that people who are sick or have been exposed to the virus stay home and apart from others. But we know not everyone has a safe place to be during this time,” Kitsap Public Health District Administrator Keith Grellner said. “This site will provide a secure environment for patients while protecting our community and keeping hospital beds available for those who need them most.” The Q&I site at Pilgrim Firs helps fulfill those needs, he adds.
There is a distinct difference between isolation and quarantine. Isolation is for people who are exhibiting symptoms or tested positive with COVID-19. Quarantine is for people who are well but may have been exposed to the virus. Sick persons must not be kept alongside those who are not sick, regardless of their exposure status.
At Pilgrim Firs separate cabins are used to segregate those in isolation from those in quarantine. Some who have tested positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting test results are able to safely isolate or quarantine where they live. See the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about protecting others in the home under these circumstances.
Others may need alternative housing to protect family members and others from infection.
Those most likely to use the temporary Q & I care centers are those most likely to be exposed – first responders and healthcare workers. However, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, space is also available for persons who cannot or are not comfortable quarantining or isolating in their own home or are homeless, and have tested positive or are awaiting test results.
A team of health, social services and emergency management personnel are working hard to ensure that these care centers are as supportive, safe and secure as possible for the well-being of staff, patients and the surrounding community.
To be admitted to the temporary care center, patients must:
• Have a referral from a healthcare provider or public health official;
• Agree to a series of conditions including no weapons, alcohol or illicit drugs;
• Understand if they who don’t follow the facility’s rules they will be asked to leave; and
• Understand if they leave these voluntary facilities on their own, they will not be readmitted.
Medical support will be available on site, but patients must be able to care for themselves. All necessities are provided so patients have no need to leave the grounds. Anyone who chooses to leave is not readmitted. Trained staff and security personnel are on site around-the-clock.
Pilgrim Firs is located at 3318 SW Lake Flora Road near Port Orchard. Another site, at the Seabeck Conference Center, may also open if the need arises.
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