COLORADO SPRINGS — The Springs Rescue Mission has been functioning Covid-19 free since the start of the outbreak back in March. "What's great today is that there have been zero cases at Springs Rescue Mission," said Springs Rescue Mission, Chief Development Officer, Travis Williams. No one is saying it will not happen, but it shows prevention measures can work in what can be considered a high-risk shared space situation.
"We had difficult decisions to make. Unlike many organizations, we did not have the option to close down." said Williams. A pandemic is life threatening, but eliminating shelter and services for the homeless would also threaten health and well-being.
An immediate prevention plan went in place. The temperature of everyone entering the facility is taken to rule-out fever. Signage explaining the risks and symptoms of COVID-19 are posted. Extra basins and sanitizing stations have been added. "We’ve been sleeping people head to toe, toe to head to try and encourage spatial distancing as best we can." The head to toe plan is because there is not room to move bunks further apart.
Springs Rescue Mission is a faith- based organization. There is reference to the “miracle” of no COVID-19 cases so far. A miracle supported by an extensive prevention plan.
Leaders are pleased, but not passive. Everyone remains on alert knowing a first case can happen. If symptoms are spotted in someone, that person gets isolated quickly to prevent further spread.
