With field hospital on pause, TCF Center preps to reopen
As the Alternate Care Facility (ACF), put in place to treat COVID-19 patients, pauses, the health and safety of all persons at the TCF Center remains the utmost importance and concern.
“The ACF in our venue opened on April 9 and was paused in mid-May,” said Claude Molinari, general manager TCF Center/ASM Global. “The ACF will remain dormant but available if needed and, in the meantime, our staff is busy implementing the safety precautions and protocols necessary to resume events in the center once Governor Gretchen Whitmer calls for it to be dismantled.”
Following the use of the facility as a field hospital for patients recovering from COVID-19, and prior to the building re-opening to welcome meetings and events, the TCF Center will undergo a thorough restoration and remediation process. This will include all of the current Center for Disease (CDC) Control, World Health Organization (WHO) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) operational standards.
New housekeeping standards were the first protocol TCF Center adopted, using the ASM Global VenueShield certification to provide standards of sanitation so that customers can feel they are in a safe place. Contactless payment options for event services and food and beverage point of sale are currently established. Plexiglass partitions in food courts, the Business Center and security desks are in place to uphold a high standard of care for employees and guests. Outside air is utilized for ventilation where appropriate. Floor plans for all event spaces have been developed to accommodate physical distancing.
Face coverings and physical distancing are required for staff. Temperature checks and health screening are conducted before entry to work and critical pathways through the building are strictly followed.
A permanent medical treatment/isolation room has been established with necessary PPE. Security control protocol has been updated with emergency medical contacts and onsite service that can be utilized when events return to the venue.
“Some of the measures planned have already been implemented,” said Molinari. “Some require more research into the best product to fit the venue and some are dependent on availability of materials in the current constricted economy.”
Centerplate, TCF Center’s food and beverage supplier, is developing options for customers that adhere to new sanitation requirements. In addition to following all ServSafe regulations provided by the Michigan Department of Health as a certified vendor, all flatware will be wrapped, only PC condiments will be provided and expanded menu and serving options will follow new standards of food safety.
Signage for instructions on health practices and etiquette for physical distancing will be placed in all washroom, eating and elevator areas. Floors will be marked for queue areas to establish distancing zones.
“We look forward to welcoming events back into the building and understand how important it is to assure each guest they are coming to a safe place,” said Molinari. “TCF Center is an economic engine of the City of Detroit and bringing events back will mean economic recovery for the region.”