Man Walks Away From Kent Coronavirus Quarantine Motel

KENT, WA — King County officials announced a change to procedure Friday morning after a man left a voluntary quarantine site while he was still awaiting test results for the new coronavirus.

According to a news release, the man, who was experiencing homelessness, voluntarily checked into a Kent motel being used as a supplemental quarantine facility on Thursday. Officials said he ignored instructions from a security guard and left the motel at 7:30 a.m. before entering a convenience store and shoplifting items. According to the county, he then boarded a northbound King County Metro bus, which was later taken out of service for deep cleaning.

In a social media post on the city's Facebook page, Mayor Dana Ralph said the incident highlighted the need for better protections at the facility.

"We realize we have a role to play in this crisis but we have asked repeatedly for actual security, real fencing and safety measures put in place for the general public and the patients at the facility," Ralph wrote.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/man-walks-away-from-kent-coronavirus-quarantine-motel/ar-BB119M4b?ocid=hplocalnews