Detroit convention center to become makeshift hospital

A convention centre in Detroit will be turned into a 900-bed medical site in response to the coronavirus, the federal government said Sunday.

Construction at TCF Center, formerly known as Cobo Center, will begin after contracts are wrapped up in 24 to 36 hours, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said . The June auto show has been canceled.

“By mobilizing quickly to construct a large alternate care facility in Detroit, we can help save lives,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.

Michigan, especially Detroit and surrounding communities, has been one of the hardest-hit states. It had 4,650 cases of the coronavirus by Saturday and 111 deaths.

Henry Ford Health System said it had 507 patients at five hospitals by Sunday morning, including 244 at its flagship hospital in Detroit.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The Army Corps said it has visited 15 places in Michigan as possible medical sites.