NO POSITIVE COVID-19 RESULTS AT AMHERST SHELTER
Entrace to the First Baptist Church in Amherst, Home to Craig's Place Shelter. Photo: Craigsdoors.org
Source: amherstma.gov
The Town of Amherst, in collaboration with Dr. Jessica Bossie of Health Services for the Homeless, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and Craig’s Doors has tested guests, staff, and volunteers at Craig’s Place, the seasonal shelter located at the First Baptist Church in Amherst for COVID-19. None of those tested were showing symptoms of the disease. The testing is part of an initiative by Cooley Dickinson Hospital to identify COVID-19 in those who reside, work, or serve in congregate settings, which have proven to be particularly susceptible to the rapid spread of the disease.
Forty-nine people were tested on Tuesday. Cooley Dickinson Hospital provided testing supplies, personal protective equipment, and created the testing system for the shelter. Results came back on Wednesday and Thursday and all test results were negative which means that none of the Shelter guests, volunteers, or staff requires isolation or quarantine.
Amherst Health Director Julie Federman stated, “We are so grateful for this collaboration. Providing tests for those who have stayed or worked at the shelter is an important step in protecting the health of these individuals and provides more information on the prevalence of asymptomatic disease.”
Town Manager Paul Bockelman said, “This is such good news for everyone, especially the guests, but also the volunteers and staff. It is testament to the guidance of our Health Director and the good work that the staff of Craig’s Doors did early on in the crisis to achieve social distancing, practice good hygiene including disinfecting areas regularly, to change certain practices, and screen those seeking entrance to the shelter.”
Hampshire College had prepared spaces for use by any Craig’s Doors staff or guests who tested positive, but those spaces will not now be needed. Craig’s Place is a seasonal, behavior-based shelter open from November 1st to May 1st every year. It is able to house 28 individuals every night from 9:30 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. In addition to a safe place and warm bed, staff and volunteers provide hot meals for the guests.