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Ramsey County to open facilities for homeless quarantine and isolation

Two sites have been identified and officials are working on finalizing agreements to open them as soon as possible.
Credit: KARE
Demand for homeless shelters is rising

RAMSEY COUNTY, Minn. — Ramsey County officials have approved the use of $1.8 million to open two facilities to temporarily quarantine and isolate people experiencing homelessness who may have contracted COVID-19.

People who are experiencing homlessness are highly susceptible to the coronavirus due to their residence within the shelter system, according to Ramsey County health officials.

Over 50% of shelters residents are over the age of 50 at this time, and many shelter residents lack health insurance, according to a press release.

Two sites have been identified and officials are working on finalizing agreements to open them as soon as possible.

The facilities will provide sleeping space for those in isolation, nursing staff, shelter staff, security and other necessities including meals, showers, hygiene products, some clothing and snacks, officials said.

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The state of Minnesota has set up a hotline for general questions about coronavirus at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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