Lighthouse Mission Ministries continues to manage its recent COVID-19 outbreak in partnership with the Whatcom County Health Department.
According to Hans Erchinger-Davis, president and CEO of the Lighthouse Mission, Base Camp guests who tested positive were transferred to the Isolation and Quarantine facility (IQF) or to a designated isolation dorm for asymptomatic individuals at Base Camp with separate restrooms, since the IQF filled up so quickly.
When the IQF and Base Camp quarantine spaces fill up, there are other options for Lighthouse Mission guests to utilize for quarantine, Erchinger-Davis said. Since the Whatcom County Health Department opened a second isolation space Tuesday at Civic Field, several guests who tested positive were transferred there. Additionally, the Health Department secured rooms at a local hotel for guests with high-risk health conditions to stay in during the outbreak.
“Our top priority is guest and staff safety. We’re grateful for the resources coming together at this important time, and for expanded isolation and quarantine capacity,” Erchinger-Davis said. “With continued testing, we’ll hopefully tamp out this outbreak as quickly as possible.”
Regular COVID testing and safety measures continue at Base Camp, Agape Home and the Ascent Program, Erchinger-Davis said. The number of people staying at Base Camp has been lower since Jan. 3 because of guests staying at the IQF recently. Bed counts have ranged from 162 to 183 people this month at Base Camp.
Lighthouse Mission Ministries has been helping people who are homeless since 1923. It cares for up to 310 people each day and provides a continuum of services aimed at ending homelessness through street outreach, enhanced shelters, addiction recovery, Christian programs, and aftercare. To make a donation or learn more about its services, call (360) 733-5120, or visit www.thelighthousemission.org.
