By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Those who need lodging related to either quarantine or isolation for COVID-19 exposure can use a free shelter in Hutchinson. It's also available for those who would potentially expose themselves at work.
"If you're working in a congregate setting, or you're in a high-risk job, working for the hospital, working for the jail, working for the prison, or a first responder, you can stay there and still go to work every day," said Reno County Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar. "The idea behind that is, in case you do come down with something, you have not brought that home to your family."
Those who need the shelter should call the Health Department at 1-844-834-3658, as the location is not being released publicly at this time.
"If someone you know is living with their 82-year-old grandmother, or they have a house full of people and they can't socially distance inside their house, or they don't feel like they can keep the other individuals living in the house safe, they can come to the shelter," Weishaar said.
Weishaar said precautions are being taken to be sure that if members of the public are also staying there, that those there for the shelter don't interact.
"All these rooms open to the outside," Weishaar said. "To get accepted in the facility, we have to call and make advance arrangements and they'll have a reception set up for you, so you can go directly to your room to prevent contact with any other individuals that may be staying at that site."
The state funded shelter provides meals as well for those who are staying there.