THOMASVILLE — Coronavirus-related precautions are underway at Rescue Mission Ministries, better known as Thomasville’s “soup kitchen.”

After concern about employees was expressed to police by a relative who lives out of state, Thomasville Police Department, the City of Thomasville and Thomas County Health Department joined forces to ensure virus-related safety measures were in place at the 521 N. Madison St. facility, where a free meal is served daily to the homeless and others in the community.

Police Cpl. Crystal Parker, TPD public information officer, visited the site and saw a need for precautions.

She received a donation of 100 masks from Hands On Thomas County. 

“I went out and passed out masks,” Parker said. “That’s how it started.”

Rescue Mission Ministries grounds were marked to designate proper social distancing between individuals who line up outside the building to receive meals.

Parker, city employee Dominic Ford and Carolyn Simmons, local health department director, met to establish a plan to meet health needs at Rescue Mission Ministries.

A portable hand-washing station was set up at the facility.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, the health department will conduct coronavirus testing at Rescue Mission Ministries.

Parker said the testing site is not limited to Rescue Mission Ministries patrons only. 

“It’s for the westside community,” she said.

 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820