Although some local Memphis media reported the Econo Lodge in Lakeland might be used for overflow hospital space during COVID-19, a spokesman for the Joint Task Force said today (4.1.20) efforts have shifted in a different direction.
Dorcas Young Griffin, division director for Shelby County Government, Division of Community Services and a member of the Joint Task Force during COVID-19, said, “Initially every potential option was thrown up for consideration in dealing with possible hospital capacity issues as a result of COVID-19, including the possibility of using hotel rooms for hospital space.
“Because of the logistics that would be nearly impossible of staffing that type of model with several hotels, we have shifted all efforts towards working with the State of Tennessee and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to identify a single facility that will have up to 1,000 beds possible. At this time, we will not be looking at any hotels to serve as overflow hospital space in Lakeland or any this point anywhere in Shelby County.”
She added, “I definitely think that hotels and other local business have shown themselves willing and ready to offer help in whatever way they think they can during these difficult times and we absolutely appreciate it. There are and will be plenty of needs throughout the coming weeks and months that we will likely be looking for support on, but for this one we think we are charting forward with the best solution for our area in looking at the single facility.”
Ms. Griffin, who is coordinating community housing needs during the virus threat, said the Joint Task Force is working in the area of securing housing for homeless individuals and families during this crisis, as well as identifying potential space for additional hospital capacity if/when needed.
In his daily briefing this afternoon, Gov. Bill Lee said thousands of additional hospital beds could be needed in a couple of weeks as the surge hits the state. He said will address the project with the Army Corps of Engineers in his Thursday briefing
