South Kitsap now has a temporary quarantine and isolation care center open for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or exposed to the virus.

The site, which is located at the Pilgrim Firs Camp and Conference Center on Lake Flora Road south of Port Orchard near Trophy Lake Golf & Casting, opened Monday and is accepting patients referred there by a health care provider or the county’s public health officials. A second site at the Seabeck Conference Center may open as well if necessary.

The South Kitsap region had 33 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of April 13, a rate of 47 per 100,000 residents, which is the third-highest rate among Kitsap’s five main regions.

“To slow the spread of COVID-19, it’s vital that people who are sick or have been exposed to the virus stay home and apart from others. But we know not everyone has a safe place to be during this time,” Kitsap Public Health District Administrator Keith Grellner said. “This site will provide a secure environment for patients while protecting our community and keeping hospital beds available for those who need them most.”

The care center is available for those who cannot or do not wish to quarantine or isolate in their own home, or are currently homeless; though the most likely residents to use the center are first responders and health care workers.

Medical support is available on-site, but patients must otherwise be able to take care of themselves. Trained staff and security are on duty 24 hours a day.

All necessities are provided on-site as well, so patients do not have to leave the grounds. Any person who chooses to leave will not be readmitted.

To be admitted to the temporary care center, patients must:

• Have a referral from a health care provider or public health official;
• Agree to a series of conditions including no weapons, alcohol or illicit drugs;
• Understand if they who don’t follow the facility’s rules they will be asked to leave; and
• Understand if they leave these voluntary facilities on their own, they will not be readmitted.