King County judge denies Kent restraining order to stop use of motel as COVID-19 quarantine space

10 things to know about the Coronvirus (COVID-19) Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention 10 things to know about the Coronvirus (COVID-19) Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention Photo: Elizabeth Fischer / Courtesy NiAID Photo: Elizabeth Fischer / Courtesy NiAID Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close King County judge denies Kent restraining order to stop use of motel as COVID-19 quarantine space 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

A King County Superior Court judge on Friday denied a temporary restraining order filed by the city of Kent against the county to prevent the opening of a quarantine facility in the city to shelter individuals with COVID-19.

In a news release Friday, the county said the restraining order had been denied "with conditions." King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a statement after the decision the county was prioritizing locations to quarantine people that met the county's needs, one of which was the motel in Kent.

"The motel in Kent was the only site on the market that included separate HVAC in each unit, and separate doors to the outside. Kent is one of four sites across the region pressed into service in the fight against COVID-19. The others include: Interbay, North Seattle, and White Center," Constantine's office said in a statement. "King County will continue to identify and acquire properties in all parts of the county to ensure residents, including health care workers and first-responders who come into contact with COVID-19, are housed appropriately.”

Kent Mayor Dana Ralph earlier Friday announced she was directing the city attorney to file the restraining order, saying King County did not get the permits needed or address concerns the city brought about issues of public safety. A proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Kent was also signed by Ralph, giving her the ability to take emergency actions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Ralph said during a news conference Friday that Kent felt it was necessary to file the temporary restraining order, saying: "They have failed to give us adequate answers around public health and safety, especially around the issue of patients leaving this facility and traveling throughout our downtown."

Ralph urged King County to work with Kent moving forward to develop a "reasonable and realistic plan."

"Kent will be your partner," Ralph said. "We will work with you but you need to engage us and involve us and help us be a part of that plan and not work against us."

She said the city knows and understands it has a role to play in the COVID-19 crisis response.

"We just want to do it in a way that is safe and responsible to both those that have been exposed and infected to this horrible virus, and the residents of Kent at large," she said.

King County announced earlier this week the county was using $5.5 million from its rainy day fund to buy an Econo Lodge, located at 1233 Central Ave. N in Kent to isolate people infected with the novel coronavirus. The funds were expected to cover the cost of buying the motel, making improvements and hiring employees, according to the county.

Constantine said at the time the county was working with the community to have the motel opened in a matter of days to house people with COVID-19.

Ralph raised concerns about the purchase earlier this week, calling it an issue of equity.

"The county intends to bring sick people from wealthier and less diverse communities and drop them off in Kent without regard for our community or the people in it," Ralph said Wednesday.

As of Friday, Washington state had dozens of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 11 deaths as a result of the virus. Public health officials have been recommending all week people take steps including washing their hands frequently and avoiding touching their face to prevent the spread of the virus. People who are more vulnerable to the virus include those who are elderly or who have underlying medical conditions.

Several businesses have asked employees to work from home if they can to further prevent the spread of the virus. Schools in the area have also announced closures and large events across the country have been canceled as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

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