COVID-19 case identified at 167-bed Tacoma homeless shelter; exposed people relocated
A male guest at Tacoma’s Nativity House overnight homeless shelter tested positive for COVID-19, according to Catholic Community Services, which operates the 167-bed facility.
Catholic Community Services learned of the positive test Sunday and took “immediate steps to protect staff and other guests,” according to a statement issued by agency director Denny Hunthausen.
Reached by The News Tribune, Hunthausen said the guest was in his 30s and had been staying at the shelter since January.
It’s unclear if the positive COVID-19 case represents the first among Tacoma and Pierce County’s homeless population. It’s the first at Nativity House, Hunthausen said.
According to Hunthausen, nine male shelter guests were potentially exposed to the novel coronavirus.
On Monday, those guests were separated and moved to the basement of neighboring Catholic Community Service’s facility, Hunthausen said.
So far, none have shown symptoms that would warrant COVID-19 testing, he added.
“Fortunately, we had room next door,” Hunthausen said. “They’re being monitored closely.”
The Nativity House overnight shelter is “always full,” Hunthausen said, and has recently been operating with 80 additional spaces, which is standard during cold weather.
After meeting with officials from Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Catholic Community Services announced a potentially significant change at Nativity House.
Starting Tuesday, March 17, only guests of Nativity House’s overnight shelter will be allowed inside the facility, Hunthausen said. Meals, bathrooms and washing stations will be made available outside for regular day shelter guests.
“We understand that’s a huge impact on them, and they don’t have anywhere to be, especially with public places being curtailed everywhere,” Hunthausen said. “We’ve determined it’s a greater risk to congregate than for them to be outside.”
The precaution increases the amount of space Nativity House has available to enact social distancing precautions for overnight guests, Hunthausen said. People staying at the Nativity House overnight shelter will be “strongly encouraged” to practice social distancing, maintaining six feet of separation or more.
The shelter has taken steps to facilitate that, including managing entry and food lines, Hunthausen said.
Prior to the positive COVID-19 case, Hunthausen said, Nativity House had enacted a number of coronavirus-related safety precautions, including closely monitoring individuals entering the shelter.
Those who appear sick are provided masks to wear, Hunthausen said, while anyone exhibiting possible COVID-19 symptoms is separated and receives medical care.
COVID-19 testing, if deemed appropriate, will be provided, Hunthausen said.
Hunthausen described the situation as “really challenging.”
“We’re so concerned for our guest because of the close proximity they live in, and the fact that they just don’t have any options not to be there unless they’re’ going to literally live and stay outside,” Hunthausen said. “We’re doing everything we can to try to make this work, and working closely with the health department.”
On Tuesday, the number of COVID-19 cases reached 44, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Department of Health. Statewide, there are now more than 1,000 cases and 52 reported deaths.
The department posts daily updates on its website, including general information about Pierce County residents who have tested positive.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 5:36 PM.
