Salvation Army client staying at downtown shelter tests positive for COVID-19

AUSTIN, Texas - The Salvation Army is reporting that a client staying at their downtown shelter has tested positive for COVID-19.

Austin Public Health identified the client and they have been sent to a local hotel for isolation, says the Salvation Army. Nineteen other clients shared a dorm with the person and the city and Salvation Army are working to have them moved to another hotel for isolation.

For now, the Salvation Army says the 19 clients who had contact with the patient are isolating in the safe sleep area and the health department will be monitoring them during isolation.

First COVID-19 death reported in Travis County

As of March 27, there are 160 cases of COVID-19 in Travis County.

The Salvation Army says the isolation is part of their isolation unit protocol for clients who test positive for COVID-19. Cleaning processes will also be enacted.

The Salvation Army says they will continue to use proper handwashing techniques, proper sneeze/cough techniques, encouraging those with possible symptoms or exposure to stay home and reduce the risk of possible transmission, and deep cleaning areas in their three shelters around the clock.

The organization also says they are spreading out shelter beds as much as possible to practice social distancing, adding self-care signage and additional access to handwashing stations, and conducting case management meetings over video conference.

Physical donations of cleaning supplies can be dropped off or mailed to The Salvation Army’s Area Command, or to make a monetary donation, visit the Salvation Army of Austin's website

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