Corona Virus: US Open home becomes hospital
New York City has been particularly hard hit by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. As the Wall Street Journal reports, parts of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in the New York borough of Queens are now to be used for medical purposes.
by SID
last edit: Mar 31, 2020, 10:57 am
Flushing meadows are usually used for points and tennis trophies - now doctors and volunteers are supposed to fight the corona virus there. Part of the US Open site in the New York borough of Queens will become a hospital in view of the dramatically worsening situation in the American metropolis.
In a training hall, 350 COVID-19 patients are to be treated primarily in 350 beds, the US Army is helping with the conversion. Louis Armstrong Stadium, the second largest court in the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, will become a cafeteria: 25,000 meals a day will be served to patients, health workers and school children.
Chris Widmaier, spokesman for the USTA national tennis association, confirmed the plan of the New York Post. The Wall Street Journal had reported first.
New York has been hit particularly hard by the Corona pandemic. Almost 40,000 people are infected in the city, more than 900 died. "If we can help, we will of course do it," said Widmaier. For the time being, the US Open date from August 24 will be held.