New Orleans has experienced a rapid surge in coronavirus cases, which is expected to cause hospitals to exceed their care capacity. In preparation, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO) stepped up and coordinated with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and the Louisiana Department of Health to rapidly convert swaths of its 1.1 million square feet of exhibit space into a medical monitoring facility with 1,000 patient beds, which opened on April 6. "This is a vital service that will help the New Orleans community by reducing the strain on the city's medical facilities," said a spokesperson for the convention center. "Like many other local businesses, we're pleased to pivot from being the economic engine that drives the tourism industry, to a public service for our citizens in a critical time of need."
The MCCNO is prepared to accept COVID-positive patients that are showing signs of improvement but still need extra care, e.g, they still required additional oxygen or are still infectious. Additionally, 250 units of temporary housing have been set up just outside the MCC for people that have been tested for the virus but who are awaiting results. Dr. Joseph Kanter of the Louisiana Department of Health said that this is the largest expansion of health-care capacity the state has ever seen. "This is going to allow our hospitals to do what they do best and take care of critically ill patients and stretch their capacity," said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, New Orleans director of health.