DETROIT – A vacant hospital in Lincoln Park will be converted into an overflow hospital thanks to a $500,000 grant from Wayne County amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The 128,000 square-foot Vibra Hospital will be overhauled by Insight Surgical Hospital to serve as an 80-bed overflow medical center with the capacity to offer up to 440 beds if needed, officials said.

Related: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 27,001; Death toll now at 1,768

“This facility has been underutilized for years. Located on Outer Drive it is ideally positioned to create hospital space for patients from Downriver and Detroit as COVID-19 cases surge,” said Lincoln Park Mayor Thomas Karnes.

The move was recommended by Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and the $500,000 Community Development Block Grant was approved by the Wayne County Commission on Tuesday, officials said. The grant is comprised of funds allocated to Wayne County under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, officials say.

“Many hospitals are at capacity, we must continue to act quickly amid this crisis to support our health care system,” Evans said. “Insight Surgical Hospital can provide immediate relief in Wayne County through increased beds and help decrease the chance of COVID-19 exceeding overall capacity.”

The 80-bed overflow hospital can open as soon as April 17 using its existing Certificate of Need, officials said.

Officials say Insight Surgical Hospital plans to invest $21.5 million in renovations to convert the facility into a surgical center specializing in neuroscience once the COVID-19 pandemic ceases. The new surgical center is expected to create 300 jobs, officials said.

“Beyond serving an important role in the regional response to COVID-19, we are excited for the long-term prospects at this site," said Karnes. "Having a functioning hospital there again would spur other investment and also provide a boost to some of the important development under way in that area of Lincoln Park.”

Read our latest news on the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 and 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.

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.