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Detroit Mayor Duggan anticipates 250 COVID-19 patients will be placed at TCF Center

First 25 arrive Friday

DETROIT – The TCF Center will have the space for about 1,000 coronavirus (COVID-19) patients, but Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan anticipates about 250 patients will be placed there.

The first 25 patients will arrive Friday.

April 10, 2020 update: Construction complete: Detroit’s TCF Center turned into alternate care facility for COVID-19 patients

Duggan was optimistic about Detroit’s COVID-19 numbers during a press conference Thursday.

“If it (the number of deaths) was doubling every four days, we would have had 76 deaths instead of 25,” he said. “So, that’s why it’s important to keep your mask on and social distancing.”

Duggan believes the TCF Center will provide a good barometer of how the city is handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If you want to see how well we’re doing, look at the TCF Center,” he said.

Watch the full report in the video above.

How COVID-19 Spreads

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

  • Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

Prevention & Treatment

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.

Read more about coronavirus here.


About the Authors
Jason Colthorp headshot

Jason is Local 4’s utility infielder. In addition to anchoring the morning newscast, he often reports on a variety of stories from the tragic, like the shootings at Michigan State, to the off-beat, like great gas station food.

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