Gov. Tony Evers announced that the Alternate Care Facility (or ACF) at State Fair Park will begin taking patients starting Oct. 14 due to increased hospitalizations in Fox Valley.
“We hoped this day wouldn’t come, but unfortunately, Wisconsin is in a much different, more dire place today and our healthcare systems are beginning to become overwhelmed by the surge of COVID-19 cases,” said Gov. Evers. “This alternative care facility will take some of the pressure off our healthcare facilities while expanding the continuum of care for folks who have COVID-19.
Multiple sources tell TMJ4 an announcement about opening the ACF is expected today, with the care facility being up and ready by midweek next week. A media briefing with Gov. Evers and the Department of Health Services has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with CEO of the ACF, Deb Standridge, also in attendance.
State officials have been warning about a surge in hospitalizations for days - especially in the Fox Valley and Green Bay area.
The $15 million field hospital built at the state fairgrounds in West Allis was designed specifically to handle hospital overflows.
The State Fair care facility is one of two in Wisconsin, but the Madison location is not expected to be open at this time.
This is a developing story and TMJ4 news is working to get new information.