SEATTLE — Seattle’s Human Services Department and the Downtown Emergency Services Center announced Sunday that the Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center will be used as a shelter in response to the coronavirus, helping to prevent its spread.
It will open Monday and will be made available for agency-selected DESC main shelter clients. It’s all part of an effort to limit potential COVID-19 exposure.
Right now, there are no known coronavirus cases at the main shelter or other city shelters, HSD officials said.
DESC’s main shelter accommodates 260 people and is a close-quarters setting. Its Queen Anne shelter also serves 100 people and is a close-quarters setting.
Officials said 100 people would be moved to the Seattle Center hall, which allows for safe social distancing.
Hygiene and sanitation supplies will also be provided.
Officials said the hall is expected to be operated at least through March 23.
The opening of the hall comes days after the city announced shelter expansion across Seattle.
Officials said the city does not expect any of the sites to be used for quarantine or isolation of people recovering from the coronavirus.
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