MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Tony Evers plans to work to open a second 'alternative care facility' (ACF) within Madison's Alliant Energy Center, his administration announced Sunday afternoon.
The ACF, commonly referred to as a field hospital, will be built to "prepare for a potential surge" in COVID-19 cases, a news release says. Construction is underway now on the state's first ACF, at the Wisconsin State Fair Park's Exposition Center.
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Evers' office said it had submitted an application to FEMA to begin development of the space. It plans to partner with the Army Corp of Engineers, as well as local contractor partners.
“This second alternative care facility will be an essential backup facility to ensure our healthcare system in the south central region is not overwhelmed. FEMA and the Army Corp of Engineers have been tremendous planning partners for our state and we are thankful for their quick responsiveness,” said Gov. Evers. “Wisconsin residents are doing a good job of helping to flatten the curve in our state by following the guidelines of our Safer at Home order, but we must continue our efforts to manage the pandemic in order to protect Wisconsinites. Hopefully this second site will not be needed, but we must prepare for it now so we are ready.”
Additional details will be made available in the coming days, the governor's office said.
“Dane County is proud to partner with Governor Evers and make our facility available to the state as a potential alternative care site to ensure our community has the medical resources it needs to fight the spread of COVID-19,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi.
To avoid the spread of COVID-19, people should continue to do as much of the following as possible, according to the news release:
- Stay at home as much as possible. Cancel events and avoid groups, gatherings, play dates, and nonessential appointments.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from other people, when possible.
- Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Continue to visit the Department of Health Services COVID-19 informational website. This comprehensive website has resources, updates, and answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19.