McKenzie, Tenn.–Following a conference call with Governor Bill Lee today, McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland said it is not probable that the former McKenzie Medical Center could be used to house COVID-19 patients.
Holland said the conference call was held between the governor and all the state’s mayors.
Holland said, “Several people have asked about the possibility of re-opening the hospital as a possible site to house patients who contract the virus. In a conference call with the governor to all the mayors, he talked about the prospect of doing this. In the case of the McKenzie hospital, all the beds have been removed and maintenance has not been performed since the hospital closed.”
Beds and equipment would need to be brought in, and the hospital would also have to be staffed, she said. “Some of the hospitals that have recently closed, still have all of their equipment and beds and would in all likelihood be the first to provide overflow beds. It is not probable that the McKenzie hospital would be one that could feasibly house patients.”
Holland also gave words of encouragement to the community. “Our McKenzie citizens are doing a great job of social distancing, washing hands, and taking all the precautions we have been urged to take to avoid contracting COVID 19. Thank you for doing your part to stay healthy and for all the acts of kindness and support we hear about every day to support our neighbors- young and old.
“Thank you for continuing to support our local restaurants, and please remember to tip on those take- out orders. Remember, many of the workers depend on tips for their livelihood.
“Remember we are all in this together, and hopefully soon, we will be back to normal. Please stay safe and healthy, and thank you for all you do to support each other.”