As the coronavirus pandemic continues and COVID-19 spreads, officials at all levels across the United States and abroad are searching for solutions. Staying at home is encouraged. So is washing your hands more frequently than ever. However, there is no end in sight for these life-altering times and the University of Kentucky is preparing for a potential surge.
Dr. Mark F. Newman, UK's Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, announced that UK HealthCare is turning Kentucky's football team practice facility — Nutter Field House — into a 400-bed field hospital.
"As the Commonwealth's health care provider for advanced and critical care, it is essential that we are prepared for any scenario to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community and the Commonwealth," Newman said in a press release. "We need to do whatever is necessary to ensure that highest quality of care is provided to meet the challenges associated with this unprecedented public health crisis."
It will be up and running in the next two weeks in Lexington.
Kentucky Football Facility Hospital
RELATED: NCAA Grants Spring Athletes Extra Year of Eligibility
Nutter Field House, which is located on Kentucky's campus near Kroger Field, will help provide medical care for coronavirus patients who contract COVID-19.
These are unprecedented times, and it's amazing to see UK Athletics, including athletics director Mitch Barnhart, and the Wildcats' college football team do what they can to help make a difference. Here is what the facility will consist of:
— Rooms will be partitioned.
— Standard Sub Flooring System, Nurses Stations, Heavy Duty Cots, Dedicated Break Rooms.
— Nebulizing Station or Area.
— Shower Units with Daily Sanitization, Universal Body Soap and Sanitization of Shower Units.
— Daily Towel Service, Restroom Units with Daily Sanitization, Portable Handwashing Stations.
— Daily Laundry Service.
— Temporary generated power to ensure potable water for food services, shower and restroom.
The UK football team's practice facility will turn into a 400-bed medical center before long to help fight this virus and try to get life back to normal as soon as possible.
