The Riley County Health Department’s alternate care site is planning to open as soon as next week.
Director Julie Gibbs updated the Riley County commission on Monday with the latest information, eyeing a Monday, April 20 move in date to a potential location. Right now, they are working on the logistics and agreements of the center.
On Friday, the National Guard assessed the area and approved their requirements for a temporary fence and backup power. They are still waiting for the second half of the assessment from the Army Corps of Engineers.
Gibbs says they have permission to enter the building for more logistic work. The building will also house a respiratory clinic and swabbing station.
County Counselor Clancy Holeman says the health department is also flushing out details on who is taking care of staffing. They need to determine who will be staffing the building and who will be an employee of who.
“It’s quite a bit to put together in a short amount of time, just to make sure it works. I mean that’s the primary goal; to have a functioning facility,” says Holeman.
One location under consideration is the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel off of Fort Riley Blvd. The building would be empty and closed to the public and would serve as a quarantine site for first responders, healthcare providers, or those who have tested positive, but have nowhere to go and are not sick enough to go to the hospital. The department will need 30 rooms for 30 days.
Officials have made no final decision.
