Jacksonville, FL — A federal field hospital for coronavirus patients is due to be set up today at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. The building is being prepared to act as an ICU for those with COVID-19 if Jacksonville hospitals reach capacity.
City leaders say the federal field hospital is being set up now only as a precaution. It can be expanded if necessary. JFRD Chief Keith Powers said Tuesday that the new hospital would take about 72-96 hours to completely set up.
“This is a preparation only a preparation. Our hospitals currently have capacity and are in good shape. This is an asset we have in the region for use if needed”, said Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry.
The Prime Osborn Convention Center also serves as a coronavirus testing site operated by the city and Florida Department of Health. You must be pre-screened and schedule an appointment via Telescope Health.
The Federal field hospital that I discussed in my comments today will be set up inside the Prime Osborn. Set up will start tomorrow.
— Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) March 23, 2020
THIS MORNING | Set up starts on a federal field hospital for #coronavirus patients at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. When we could see it put to use — at 5 on @ActionNewsJax w pic.twitter.com/XZsXhRrKPA
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) March 24, 2020