Convert MSG, Javits Center Into Sick Wards, Councilmember Says

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — As New York City shuts down to help contain the spread of coronavirus, a Brooklyn lawmaker has called on the city to convert some Midtown Manhattan venues into sick wards.

Stephen Levin — who represents parts of several North Brooklyn neighborhoods — said in a statement Monday that large event spaces such as Madison Square Garden or the Jacob K. Javits Center could be repurposed to handle non-emergency coronavirus patients who would otherwise flood hospital emergency rooms.

"So we’re gonna run out of hospital beds. Not in the couple of days, but in all likelihood in the next few weeks. We need to start prepping," Levin said in a tweeted statement.

Reducing the burden on city hospitals will help the healthcare system focus its efforts on the coronavirus cases that carry severe symptoms, Levin said in the statement. A message left with Levin's office about how the city government could convince, or force, facilities such as MSG and Javits to convert into sick wards was not immediately returned.

New York City and State officials have previously warned that coronavirus has the potential to overwhelm city hospitals, which may fill up to capacity and run dangerously short on critical equipment such as masks and ventilators. Gov. Cuomo spoke at length during a weekend press conference about the issue, calling on President Donald Trump to direct the Army Corps of Engineers to New York to set up emergency medical facilities.

"You're going to need more hospital capacity. You're going to need more facilities. You're going to need ways to free up those 53,000 beds. You're going to need to construct or retrofit physical buildings. Acquire thousands of pieces of equipment like this. A state can't do that. I don't have that workforce," Cuomo said during a Sunday press conference.

As of Sunday, 329 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in New York City. Of those cases, five people have died, city officials said. All of the fatal cases included New Yorkers older than 50 with pre-existing conditions, health officials said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio also announced that all city public schools will be closed, effective immediately. He warned they could be closed for the rest of the school year. The city will also shut down nonessential businesses such as bars and nightclubs, and limit restaurants to take-out or delivery, starting Monday.

Spokespeople for Madison Square Garden and the Javits Center did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.