The National Basketball Association's Sacramento Kings are getting heavily involved the fight against COVID-19. On Friday, the the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services announced plans for the California Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to convert the Kings' former Natomas arena and practice facility into a surge field hospital to provide critical medical services for coronavirus and trauma care patients. The hospital, which will house approximately 360 beds and provide hospital services. That is expected to free up existing hospital bed space in the Sacramento region to deal with an expected surge in patients due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Kings are reportedly also making additional contributions, including donating $250,000 to support area community organizations providing essential services and supplies to families and individuals in need, and the donation of 100,000 medical masks to state and local health agencies.
"On behalf of the entire Kings family, our hearts are with all who have been affected by this pandemic," said Sacramento Kings Chairman, CEO and Owner Vivek Ranadive. "California always leads the nation and the world, and we applaud Governor Newsom's strong and decisive leadership to keep Californians healthy and safe during this crisis. His deft guidance and preparation serve as a shining example for leaders across America. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the medical professionals and frontline workers risking their lives every day and making tremendous sacrifices to protect us and provide essential services. Our deepest thanks go out to all of the local public health experts and elected officials, including Mayor Steinberg and Councilmember Ashby, working to safeguard the community during this unprecedented time."
The Kings said they will donate 100,000 medical masks to state and city health agencies to distribute to hospitals and healthcare institutions with a shortage of supplies.
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