Quarantines were almost obsolete, but facilities are now needed

Governments are trying to find somewhere to put coronavirus patients


A century ago, California had a quarantine station on Angel Island that held 400 beds, a hospital, disinfecting plant, laboratories and convalescence quarters, according to an article on The Mercury News website.

That facility and similarly isolated sites are long gone — and governments are trying to find somewhere to put coronavirus patients.

“The CDC does not have quarantine or isolation facilities that can handle more than a few at a time,” Polly J. Price, professor of law and global health at Atlanta’s Emory University and an expert on the legal history of quarantines, said in the article.

Federal and state health officials sought to move infected people to Costa Mesa’s 125-acre Fairview Developmental Center, a state-owned facility for people with mental disabilities, which is now empty. But city leaders filed a lawsuit to stop the move, citing fears for residents’ health.

Read the article.



March 9, 2020


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

Preparing Healthcare Facilities for Wildfire Air Quality Events

Wildfire smoke puts pressure on mechanical systems already working hard to maintain controlled indoor environments.


UW Health Set to Open Expansion at East Madison Hospital

The $140 million project adds 120,000 square feet to the hospital, expanding its footprint to roughly 620,000 square feet.


Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians Falls Victim to Cyberattack

While the full extent of the incident is still under review, our initial investigation discovered that there are approximately 1.4 million individuals impacted.


The Role of Biophilic Design in Healthcare Facilities

Nature-inspired design can support staff well-being and create more welcoming, human-centered healthcare environments.


TriStar Centennial Medical Center Invests $90M in Women, Children's Hospital Expansions

The multi-year project will bring significant improvements to both hospitals.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.