COVID isolation pods are being installed in the parking lot of the Nashville Rescue Mission, paid for by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each of the 25 pods can house two people testing positive for COVID or awaiting test results. They have electricity, heat, and air conditioning. The CDC funding also pays for a certified nursing assistant and 24-hour security, according to an announcement from the city’s Office of Emergency Management. Those housed in the pods will still have access to restrooms, meals and recreation areas at the Mission.
Courtesy Office of Emergency Management A total of 25 pods will be installed, with capacity to isolate two people per pod.
“We are committed to providing safe alternatives to our homeless community as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our community,” OEM Chief William Swann said in a statement.
Up until July 1, people experiencing homelessness who needed to isolate or quarantine were housed in an emergency shelter on the Nashville Fairgrounds. The pods are meant to be more efficient, but Metro officials say they’re still working on a “long-term sustainable plan.”
The Mission has experienced several COVID outbreaks, starting in the spring of 2020 and as recently as late July. At that time, as many as 60 residents had to be housed at an old city jail, drawing complaints from advocates.
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