<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585695021184.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Geary Community Hospital officials are making plans to possibly establish a field hospital for treatment of non-COVID-19 cases. That facility would be utilized in the event there is a surge of Coronavirus-19 patients who could then be treated at the main GCH facility.Interim CEO Don Smithburg said at Geary Community officials follow Centers for Disease Control and Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment guidance on dealing with the Coronavirus-19."We are hunkered down at least through August in this area. August is expected to be when we will have many, many active cases of COVID-19."Smithburg said three external sites in Junction City are being evaluated to set up a field hospital and potential field clinic operation to treat non-COVID-19 patients. That would allow the main hospital confines to be used as the site for treatment of COVID-19 cases. Sites under consideration include a church gymnasium, a closed department store, and rental of a portion of a hotel for conversion into a field hospital. " A selection of a specific site will be made soon."Smithburg added that they are preparing for any potential surge now. "And as a result we're going to rent space now meaning by the end of this week and begin to do logistical planning around standing up a field hospital in that location so when the surge hits we should be ready to go."&nbsp;Smithburg said there are safeguards in place at the hospital during this coronavirus period. People entering GCH go through the emergency department and are screened to ensure that if COVID-19 related symptoms exist they are cared for appropriately or the virus is ruled out.Smithburg said the hospital has been organized internally so if a surge occurs the inpatient units are set up to accomodate both COVAD-10 and non-COVAD-19 cases. "Third, we are still a fully functioning hospital and clinic system, and we continue to work very closely with Konza ( Konza Prairie Community Health &amp; Dental Center ) collaborating our efforts, and both entities are open for business." Smithburg added they are more than willing and able to care for the healthcare needs of anyone during the crisis.The Interim CEO said patient appointments have slowed down significantly the last two weeks and that may result in a consolidation of clinic operations to accomodate the patient flow. It could easily be ramped back up.There have not been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Geary County. Four cases have been identified in Riley County, two in Pottawatomie County and two in Morris County.

A potential Field hospital is one part of the plan to deal with any surge in COVID-19 cases