Construction of Temporary Healthcare Facilities for COVID-19 Patients Underway

Recently, electrical contracting firm Rosendin joined coronavirus crisis response efforts to help communities care for sick patients. The contractor recently completed renovations to transition two mid-century buildings into temporary healthcare facilities in California and expects to be called into action for similar projects in the coming weeks.

Turner Construction contacted Rosendin for the rapid-response project in Indio to convert two buildings on the city’s fairgrounds into medical centers for people suspected of having COVID-19. Less than 24 hours after getting the call, Rosendin’s special projects team were onsite. In less than three days, the Fullenwider Auditorium and the Taj Mahal Building were capable of housing 125 patients.

The electrical contractor retrofitted power lines, installed new LED lighting and assisted in setting up additional fire alarm and HVAC systems. They also added emergency backup power with tractor-trailer-sized generators to ensure the buildings will remain functional in the event of a power failure.

Since the Indio fairground buildings were erected about 70 years ago, none of the original building plans were available. That forced workers to decipher old wiring, upgrade cables and work around a split power source.

A safety representative also ensured workers kept safe distances from one another, followed CDC guidelines, stayed hydrated and fed and rested when necessary.