Coronavirus In Minnesota: Counties Explore Converting Former Prison Into Medical Center For COVID-19 Care

BENSON, Minn. (AP) — With the new coronarivus expected to spread further, three western Minnesota counties are exploring whether they can turn part of a former prison into a COVID-19 medical center.

The Swift County Monitor reports the plan involves a pod at the Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton. Hospitals in Chippewa, Lac qui Parle and Swift counties have asked prison owner CoreCivic about the possibility.

The $1 million plan was put forward at an emergency meeting of the Swift County Board of Commissioners on Friday and was expected to get funding votes in all three counties next week.

The 1,600-bed facility in Appleton has been empty since 2010. Appleton Area Health Services chief executive Lori Andreas said the plan would start with 11 rooms and expand to 77 beds if needed.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.