Hospital turns to heated tent to ease COVID-19 crush

MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) – A hospital in western Michigan is using a heated tent as extra emergency space due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The tent at Mercy Health Muskegon was set up a few weeks ago but put into service Thursday. The hospital topped 95% capacity during the week.

Dr. Justin Grill, chief medical officer at Mercy Health Muskegon, says he never would have predicted that the hospital would need to use a tent.

Someone who is examined in the tent would get the same services found in the regular emergency department. After 11 p.m., all services move inside.