Shipping containers are not typically used as healthcare centres, but these metal storage facilities could be turned into respiratory units to help patients suffering from the coronavirus who are in desperate need of care.
Over the years, the use of new and refurbished shipping containers has grown from storing and transporting goods to being turned into bars, cafes, shops, shelter for homeless people, and even houses themselves.
However, it has not previously been reported that they have been used as Connected Units for Respiratory Ailment (CURA).
New Atlas has revealed that this facility, which is being developed in Italy, can be shipped anywhere in the world and help those fighting the potentially fatal virus.
Built from 20 ft-long shipping containers that have been fitted with windows and entrances, they are then connected to an inflatable structure. This means their configuration is flexible and they can vary in size, depending on how much space is required.
The publication stated: “While doctors already have hospital tents at their disposal for these kind of emergency situations, the team reckons that CURA would (with the correct equipment installed) offer a benefit over tents by creating a negative room pressure system.”
This means air is allowed to flow into the container but not out, reducing the risk of the disease being spread around the premises.
As the number of sufferers grows every day, health services are under increasing pressure to accommodate those who require hospital care. Therefore, these containers would expand their capacity by making use of space in car parks or to create separate field hospitals of their own.