The 2020 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has been canceled due to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mandating the TCF center as a COVID-19 medical site.
According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District Facebook page the Detroit District field assessment teams, state and local emergency management and medical personnel conducted at a total of 15 alternate care facility assessments in Michigan and sent the assessments to the state. Upon final review, the TCF Center was chosen.
The decision comes as Michigan continues its effort to address imminent capacity issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. FEMA will fund construction and supply the site which will have approximately 900-bed spaces.
“The State of Michigan is working around the clock and doing everything we can to slow the spread of the coronavirus,” said Governor Whitmer. “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and the TCF Center to expand capacity in Detroit. By mobilizing quickly to construct a large alternate care facility in Detroit, we can help save lives.”
In a statement, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association advised the TCF Center would be contracted by FEMA for six months.
“We have recently been informed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has chosen TCF Center to be repurposed into a field hospital for a contracted time frame of six months. As a result and in compliance with this FEMA mandate, the 2020 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has been canceled. NAIAS was originally planned for June 9 – June 20, 2020.”
“We fully support NAIAS organizers in their postponement. The health and safety of our community and those working throughout the industry is our top priority. We look forward to seeing the show’s return in 2021,” Ford said in a statement.
All auto show related events including the highly anticipated and attending Charity Preview have also been canceled. Event organizers stated the NAIAS return summer 2021.
In a statement, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association advised the TCF Center would be contracted by FEMA for six months.
“We have recently been informed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has chosen TCF Center to be repurposed into a field hospital for a contracted time frame of six months. As a result and in compliance with this FEMA mandate, the 2020 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) has been canceled. NAIAS was originally planned for June 9 – June 20, 2020.”
The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority assured that it would work closely with clients to reschedule affected events.
“These are extraordinary times for our state and nation. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, TCF Center has been designated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, State of Michigan and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a temporary alternate care facility in Detroit.
Mobilization has already begun and construction will be performed by the TCF Center workforce and union labor. The temporary site is planned for COVID-19 patients, relieving the burden on local hospitals treating patients with COVID-19. With guidance from FEMA and other officials, the site will be designed in the most efficient way possible in order to allow the convention center to resume normal operations in the weeks ahead when this crisis eases.
In addition, we have not lost sight of our clients. In collaboration with the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, we are working closely with our customers to reschedule events at a time most beneficial to them.
As we navigate this unprecedented time together, TCF Center is fully prepared to do its part in supporting our residents and community. We stand in awe of the tireless and dedicated healthcare workers and first responders who are true heroes of our time.”
USACE, Detroit District, at the direction of the State of Michigan, continues to conduct initial and in-depth site assessments around the state of Michigan to address possible medical facility shortages as the response to COVID-19 continues.
“We fully support NAIAS organizers in their postponement. The health and safety of our community and those working throughout the industry is our top priority. We look forward to seeing the show’s return in 2021,” Ford said in a statement.
All auto show related events including the highly anticipated and attending Charity Preview have also been canceled. Event organizers stated the NAIAS return summer 2021.
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