Monterey expresses concern over county’s plan for alternate housing sites
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Concern erupted last week after Monterey County announced its plan for several alternate care and housing sites.
The City of Monterey rallied behind residents to express concerns to county officials about plans to utilize the Monterey County Fairgrounds.
"Some of the neighbors were concerned and had questions about the operations. They want to know how many individuals would be housed within the fairgrounds and how security would ensure that guests at the site would be provided services and not be able to leave the facility," said Monterey assistant city manager, Nat Rojanasathira.
The housing sites would provide a place for COVID-19 positive patients, who need little to no care, but could infect others by returning to their place of residence.
Monterey County supervisor, Mary Adams, said they narrowed down their choice of alternate housing sites to three. Each are located on opposite ends of the county.
"People would come from community hospital and stay in recovery for at least 14 days. Then they will be released when they're well enough and have passed that 14 day quarantine time," said Adams.
The City of Monterey raised concern about a sudden rush of COVID-19 patients to the peninsula. The county said this will not be the case.
Adams said patients will go to one of three care sites located closest to the hospital they were treated. The intent is to keep patients nearest their homes and prevent spread to different communities.
"Just think about it from a science perspective. When you have a problem you want to isolate it. You want to keep it as close to the home as you can," said Adams.
Although an opening date has not been decided, the county is already planning what the sites will look like. At the fairgrounds, the idea of cubicles for each patient is being discussed. Establishing security is also a priority.
"We are making the right decision. It is more prudent to be prepared than it is to be caught off guard," said Adams.
The county plans to host a joint town hall meeting with the City of Monterey to answer resident's questions. A date and time has not been set.
