Bellingham Motel 6 identified as isolation, quarantine site by Whatcom Unified Command
The Motel 6 in Bellingham has been identified as a quarantine and isolation site for people exposed to the new coronavirus, according to a Monday evening press release by Whatcom Unified Command, the multi-governmental agency that’s directing the local pandemic response.
Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu signed a contract Monday, April 6, with the owners of Motel 6. The isolation and quarantine site at the vacant and for sale motel at 3701 Bryon Ave., is expected to be open the week of April 12, the release states.
Isolation is for people who have symptoms of the respiratory disease but don’t need hospitalization. Quarantine is for people who have been exposed to COVID-19, but aren’t showing symptoms.
“Every action we are taking together is intended to limit the spread of COVID-19. This is a time-critical need. The availability of this facility — for anyone who needs it — is essential to our response to this crisis,” Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood said in a prepared statement.
The quarantine and isolation facility is for those who can’t safely remain in their homes or who may not have the resources to stay safe, the press release states. Unified command is working with several partners on the facility, including the city of Bellingham.
“The motel setting is ideal for use as an isolation and quarantine facility; each unit has its own direct entry and includes a private bathroom and bed,” the release states.
The facility will be operated by partner agencies that will provide meals, laundry and janitorial services. It will be staffed by case managers from Sea Mar Community Health Center and Lighthouse Mission Ministries, according to the release.
Discussion of an isolation and quarantine facility for the homeless was previously discussed last week during a Homeless Strategies Workgroup meeting of the County Council. Unified command’s press release Monday did not state whether the Motel 6 isolation and quarantine facility was only for those who were homeless.
More facilities are expected to be established elsewhere in the county “as need and resources align,” the release states.
In a Whatcom County Council meeting on Friday, April 3, Erika Lautenbach, director for the Whatcom County Health Department, said it could cost anywhere from $900,000 up to $4 million to isolate or quarantine people who have COVID-19 for three months. Lautenbach said the costs were ballpark figures, but that the more care that was required, the higher the price tag.
The cost for the Motel 6 facility was not included in unified command’s Monday evening press release.
