Isolation, quarantine site at Angel of the Winds Arena going largely unused

EVERETT, Wash. — Despite being used as an isolation and quarantine site, the Angel of the Winds Arena has largely been empty.

The arena can take in as many as 150 people, yet since it became an isolation site on April 1, only three people have used the facility to quarantine.

Despite a lack of attendance, doctors told KIRO 7 News that Angel of the Winds Arena is critical to stopping the spread of the coronavirus in the North Sound.

“It’s imperative that we not slacken up. We must stay the line, and we must stay the course,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers.

Doctors added that it was incorrect to compare the now-canceled Army hospital at CenturyLink Field to the situation at Angel of the Winds Arena.

They said CenturyLink was set up to treat patients, while Angels of the Arena is meant to serve as an isolation and quarantine site.

Doctors said that even if fewer people need to go to the hospital because of the coronavirus, there will always be a need for people to isolate themselves.

“We want them to separate themselves safely and securely from the rest of the community,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, head of medicine at Angel of the Wings Arena. “(The arena) gives them a place where they can do that.”

As for the lack of people at Angel of the Winds, doctors said it hinges on community outreach.

“We know there is probably a real need. We just haven’t been able to reach the population to help them get the care they deserve,” said Dr. Goldbaum.

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