Death reported at Roseland Motel 6, a COVID-19 quarantine facility
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Roseland Police responded to the hotel around noon and secured the scene per protocol for the St. Joseph County Coroner's Office because the patient had COVID-19.
The St. Joseph County Coroner's Office said the woman who died was in her 50s, tested positive for COVID-19 and had other health issues.
Her cause of death is attributed to complications caused by COVID-19, according to the St. Joseph County Department of Health.
The health department said the woman had reported feeling better on Monday and said her symptoms were improving.
“It’s important to remember that SARs-CoV-2 is a deadly virus,” said St. Joseph County Health Officer Robert Einterz. “It is known to cause sudden death in individuals who seem to be recovering from the disease.”
The Motel 6 was leased by the city of South Bend through June so the homeless and those with nowhere to go, who have COVID-19, or are suspected of having COVID-19, have someplace to self-isolate.
The department says the people staying at the hotel must meet eligibility requirements and are monitored daily by nurses and medical students.
Roseland's Town President, Elizabeth McCombs, issued this statement:
I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden loss of life at the City of South Bend’s quarantine facility. Unfortunately, this tragic event only underscores the Town of Roseland’s deep concerns about the City of South Bend’s management of the quarantine facility. In the wake of such terrible news, the Town of Roseland must necessarily ask tough questions about the City of South Bend’s ability to adequately supervise and provide care for especially vulnerable people. These tough questions demand the City of South Bend’s serious answers. In the coming days, the Town of Roseland expects the City of South Bend to fully and completely address the Town’s concerns.
On behalf of the Town of Roseland, I extend our condolences to the deceased and the deceased’s family and loved ones.
South Bend Mayor James Mueller offered this statement.
I offer my condolences to the family for their tragic loss due to COVID-19. This quick turn for the worse offers another reminder how relentless this virus can be. The isolation site provides a place to recover in dignity for those who have no other option and is critical to preventing a wider outbreak of the virus in our community. Our team has worked diligently to set up this site, run it, and fulfill the reporting requirements developed by the Roseland Town Board. The City’s legal team will be meeting with the Town Board’s attorneys to review their remaining concerns.