Sequim Warming Center open, modified for pandemic

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, November 25, 2020

SEQUIM — A warm place for those who need it in Sequim on cold fall and winter nights is open once again, modified this year for the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Warming Center, hosted this year by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 525 N. Fifth Ave., is open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. on days when predicted temperatures are at 35 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

With health concerns abounding in late 2020, the center will have one staff member who is required to wear a mask and plenty of sanitizing procedures in place, said Sam McCulloch of Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP).

Clients are requested to wear masks but will not be denied service if they choose not to, McCulloch said.

There is a short screening for staff and clients upon entry with questions based on the most prevalent COVID-19 symptoms, as well as a temperature check, he said.

A client with a temperature above 100 degrees or showing symptoms will be asked to distance themselves in a corner and emergency services will be called.

If an emergency medical technician determines a client may be coronavirus positive, that client is taken to a hotel and OlyCAP staff is informed, McCulloch said.

For more information, call 360-452-4726.