Implementation of Baltimore City's COVID-19 Isolation Hotel

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Control
• Homeless Services

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic necessitates isolation strategies.
• Homeless populations face unique challenges in isolation.
• Existing shelters and recovery programs require support for isolation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Lord Baltimore Triage, Respite, and Isolation Center (LBTC).
• Assess the impact of a dedicated isolation center for homeless individuals during COVID-19.
• Inform future planning for sustainable isolation services for vulnerable populations.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a multiagency COVID-19 isolation and quarantine site (LBTC) in Baltimore City.
• Service provision for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Tracking of isolation completion and hospital transfers.

Main Results:

• The LBTC served 2020 individuals in its first year.
• 78% of individuals successfully completed isolation at the LBTC.
• 6% of individuals required hospital transfer.

Conclusions:

• The LBTC model demonstrates successful isolation for homeless individuals.
• Dedicated isolation centers can mitigate COVID-19 outbreaks in shelters.
• Integrating sustainable isolation services is crucial for ongoing pandemic response.