500 alternate patient rooms at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago
In a joint effort, the government of the Virgin Islands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will cooperate to construct an Alternate Care Facility (ACF) for coronavirus patients at the National Guard Research Training Institute in St. Croix beginning today, USACE has announced.
The ACF will be constructed in a current barracks facility that will be converted into a 46-bed treatment area for victims of the novel corona virus, by Conti Federal, Inc., of Edison, New Jersey. The contract calls for completion by May 4. The contract was awarded April 17, according other release.
“We have a team of professionals from the Corps of Engineers and the Virgin Islands dedicated to converting these barracks into a treatment facility as quickly as possible in order to meet needs of the peak demand,” said Col. Daniel H. Hibner, Commander of the Savannah District. “Public Safety is our top priority and we look forward to working alongside the territorial government to bring this resource to the people here for their care.”
The facility is designated for COVID 19 patients only. The construction is a joint financial responsibility of the U.S. and territorial governments with the national government covering 75 percent of the cost.
The Corps of Engineers’ conversion of this facility is part of the national effort, led by FEMA, to combat the COVID 19 pandemic.
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