REVERE — City leaders in Revere and Chelsea announced the opening of a hotel for COVID-19 patients to self-quarantine and recover.
The two cities have become a hot spot for the coronavirus with more than 1,000 positive cases combined.
“We must do all we can together to slow the spread of the virus with a laser focus on staying home,” said Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo.
But staying home isn’t so easy for most people living in Chelsea, where 80 percent of its residents are essential workers, and most of them live very close to their neighbors in a city full of multi-family homes.
“We’re hopeful we can start to make a dent and mitigate the dangers of the virus in our two communities,” said Chelsea City Manager Tom Ambrosino.
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Residents from both Chelsea and Revere can stay at the Quality Inn in Revere if they’re COVID-19 positive and are not able to self-quarantine at home. These patients should also not need hospital care, but they will have access to healthcare workers 24-7 at the hotel.
“We will keep them safe in a well-staffed, well supported environment here in the Quality Inn in Revere to make sure they’re able to heal,” said Arrigo.
The Quality Inn agreed to open its doors to COVID-19 patients for the next 60 days. MEMA will also be delivering three meals a day to all patients staying in the hotel.
“This contagion has really had a devastating impact on both the cities of Chelsea and Revere,” said Ambrosino. “We have residents that are in great need, and this hotel, these alternative housing accommodations, are going to make a difference in helping us contain the spread of the virus.”
Revere and Chelsea city leaders hope this is just one step to slow the spread of this virus.
“Revere is not an island, none of us can shut our borders to this unprecedented pandemic,” said Arrigo. “We must work across city lines and this is exactly what we’re doing here today.”
Public officials in Chelsea and Revere, in consultation with medical experts, will confirm an individual meets eligibility requirements. There will be no acceptance of “walk-in” patients.
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RESOURCES:
- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information
- Boston Coronavirus Information
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