Lee County expected to receive 250-bed field hospital, location unknown

Reporter: Justin Kase Writer: Jack Lowenstein
Published: Updated:
Credit: via WINK News.

Florida Division of Emergency Management confirmed Thursday it’s sending a 250-bed field hospital to Lee County. We are working to learn exactly where it will be located.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday a field hospital would be set up on the west coast of Florida but did not confirm the location at that time. He made that announcement at a field hospital in Miami.

A field hospital is meant to provide support to a county if needed.

We are still waiting to hear back about whether or not the field hospital will be used strictly for COVID-19 patients or those who have not tested positive.

Lee Health said its facilities still have enough beds to treat those infected with the virus. But during a Wednesday phone call, Lee Health said its wants to prepare for the worst.

Lee Health expects to see a surge of COVID-19 patients over the next few weeks, as Florida nears its projected peak.

“We will be prepared should we need to operate alternate care sites,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and CEO of Lee Health.

At this point, we are still waiting to hear back from the state and Lee Health about the exact details of the field hospital.

MORE: Florida Division of Emergency Management

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