Pierce County set to open first COVID-19 isolation, quarantine center in Tacoma

TACOMA, Wash. — Pierce County is planning to open its first “temporary care center” on Wednesday in Tacoma – a COVID-19 isolation and quarantine site, referrals only, that will also serve people who live with someone at greater risk of getting sick and don’t have anywhere else to go.

The Holiday Inn on S. Hosmer Street near 84th Street has been temporarily converted into the quarantine center that will be the county’s latest tool to help slow the spread of the coronavirus while easing the burden on hospitals by taking in people who don’t need be hospitalized.

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said the center is voluntary, will have security there at all times and won’t allow visitors. People staying at the center are expected to stay in their rooms and will not be allowed to come and go.

“I definitely feel a lot more confident in how the facility is going to operate with professional nurses, nursing staff; controlled entry, professional security staff to keep the site and community safe,” said Tacoma City Councilmember Chris Beale, who represents the district where the new center is located, in a virtual town hall Monday.

The health department said Pierce County, which is handling the costs, needs at least three quarantine and isolation sites like the one opening in Tacoma. Health officials say east and west pierce county locations will open next but have not yet said where.

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