'Extremely high' need for PPE as stockpiles dwindle; care facility build continues at Expo Center

WEST ALLIS -- Construction crews were at Wisconsin State Fair Park Saturday, April 11, working to convert the Exposition Center into a makeshift hospital for COVID-19 patients, if the need arises.

Robert Whitaker

Meantime, local officials say there is an immediate need for critical supplies -- and the public is being called on to help.

"Getting PPE, just like anywhere in the country now, is a challenge," said Robert Whitaker, North Shore Fire and Rescue chief.

The challenge becomes more important to tackle than ever, now that the U.S. is the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite an effort to conserve personal protective equipment, Whitaker said stock in Milwaukee County is running low.

"Every patient we see on the EMS side, on the healthcare side, you can't re-use that," Whitaker said. "The use rate, or what we call the burn rate is extremely high. So we go through a lot of PPE every day."

Whitaker is also working with the Unified Milwaukee Emergency Operations Center to grow a stockpile. They're looking for N95 masks, surgical masks, safety glasses, hand sanitizer, and now one item in particular.

"Asking if anyone has Tyvek suits that they are not in need of, that's a new request being put out there," Whitaker said.

Bryan Dykstra

Donations are being accepted at Wisconsin State Fair Park. On Saturday, Bryan Dykstra donated nearly 10,000 pairs of medical gloves.

"I think people need to be coming together during these times, so I'm just happy that I can do my part," he said.

Inside the Expo Center, FOX6 News was told the alternate care facility is expected to be ready in about a week. Its purpose is to prepare for the possibility that local hospitals reach capacity.

Gov. Tony Evers

"This alternate care facility will be a critical addition," said Gov. Tony Evers, "and will be essential to continuing to ensure our healthcare systems are not overwhelmed."

Officials have said they hope there isn't a need for the facility, but if there is, it will be ready. PPE donations are being accepted seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Gate 5 of Wisconsin State Fair Park.

As for the 2020 Wisconsin State Fair -- it is scheduled to go on as planned from August 6-16; however, the fair's organizers say they will continue to monitor and follow recommendations of state and federal health officials.