King County to buy Kent Econo Lodge to use as quarantine site for novel coronavirus

King County plans to use a motel in Kent as a quarantine facility for those infected with novel coronavirus.

The location of the motel, an Econo Lodge located at 1233 Central Ave. N, was announced on Wednesday by the City of Kent during a news conference, where Kent Mayor Dana Ralph said the acquisition process of the motel was not transparent.

"According to the information we received today, the county plans to move patients into this facility within the next nine to 10 days, but still have not inquired with the city about permits or occupancy of this building," Ralph said.

King County is buying the 85-bed motel for $4 million, according to information released by the county Wednesday. It was desirable for this purpose because of its hard surfaces, seamless floors and independent heating and cooling available in each room. It also has unit doors that open to the outside rather than a hallway.

"We are working with the community, and should have it opened in days," King County Executive Dow Constantine said during a news conference Wednesday.

That sentiment is contrary to what the City of Kent said during their conference about an hour prior.

"We firmly believe this is an equity issue," Ralph said. "The county intends to bring sick people from wealthier and less diverse communities and drop them off in Kent without regard for our community or the people in it."

The motel was purchased using $5.5 million from the county's rainy day fund, which covers the cost of the motel as well as improvements and hiring up to 11 motel employees, according to information from the county.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 39 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in the state of Washington. Ten people had died, nine of which were in King County. King County had 31 confirmed cases as of Wednesday afternoon. Over 230 people were being monitored for potential infection statewide.

Symptoms of novel coronavirus include a fever and dry cough. Those with questions about the virus or believe they have symptoms can call a new Washington call center at 1-800-525-0127.

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