Lexington's Aloft Hotels Use As Regional Quarantine Site

Press release from the Town of Lexington:

April 4, 2020

Town Manager James Malloy has been notified by State officials that Aloft Hotels, located at 727 Marrett Road, is being used as a regional quarantine site for homeless patients that have tested positive for COVID-19. Currently, the hotel is housing 13 patients, with the potential of adding additional rooms and patients. The hotel is one of four regional quarantine sites currently in use in Massachusetts.

Town officials, including Mr. Malloy, as well as police, fire, and public health staff, were briefed by the State’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services on the matter. The State is housing patients in hotels across Massachusetts to prevent the spread of the virus within homeless shelters. Only patients exhibiting mild symptoms are being admitted; if symptoms worsen, they will be transported to a hospital. State officials will be providing regular updates to the Lexington Office of Public Health on the number and status of patients.

Nurses are on staff around the clock to care for patients, and a vendor, contracted through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), is responsible for feeding patients, cleaning the premises, and transporting individuals under their care. MEMA has also contracted with a private firm to provide security 24/7. If additional patients come to the hotel, additional resources will be added to accommodate the increase. During this time, no hotel staff will be in contact with patients.

Patients are not being held against their will, and they are free to return to their home community at any time. If a patient wishes to leave, they will be transported by MEMA’s vendor to their home community.

This press release was produced by the Town of Lexington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.