On Sunday, March 29th, 2020, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement accepting the recommendation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for an alternative care facility in Detroit. Now, the Corps of Engineers is overseeing construction at the TCF Center, formerly know as Cobo Hall in Detroit, as it’s being converted into a medical facility.
The plan calls for insuring that Michigan has adequate medical space during the COVID-19 pandemic. FEMA is fundingconstruction and supplies for the site which will have approximately 900 beds and stations for medical personnel. The site is being designed with negative pressure specifically for coronavirus patients who need oxygen.
In a statement, Governor Whitmer said – “The State of Michigan is working around the clock and doing everything we can to slow the spread of the coronavirus. We are proud to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and the TCF Center to expand capacity in Detroit. By mobilizing quickly to construct a large alternate care facility in Detroit, we can help save lives.”
Federal officials are focusing on Wayne County as an emerging coronavirus hot spot as the city of Detroit alone surpassed 2,400 confirmed cases this week.
Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn
