The Berlaymont transformed into a Role 3 field hospital (v2)

(B2 - exclusive) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has decided to take the bull by the horns in the face of the coronavirus epidemic. This should be officially announced this Wednesday (April 1) after the usual meeting of the European executive, according to an internal document read by B2 overnight.

A state-of-the-art medical service in a wing

A complete wing of the Berlaymont, seat of the European executive, should be emptied of its files, and transformed into a field hospital, role 3, to accommodate patients who test positive. A high-level medical service equipped with the possibility of resuscitation rooms, a biological laboratory and suite beds. Isolation work has already started quietly and could be completed by tomorrow.

A Schuman roundabout reception tent

A first sorting tent could be installed in the center of the Schuman roundabout, a place close to the Commission's headquarters. Place which has the advantage of being able to ensure a rapid rotation of vehicles. The European medical center (which usually has its quarters not far from there at Breydel) has been requisitioned to lend a hand. No more internal exams, time for fresh air. The first medical equipment and beds should arrive very quickly, delivered by the Belgian military, coming from a reserve of Kleine Brogel, kept secret until now (it was reserved for nuclear conflicts).

Selmayr chief coordinator

Another wing will be reserved for European citizens who will be repatriated via the various European planes. Commissioners and civil servants will take turns to welcome citizens, feed them and entertain them. A rotation (rather complex to describe) has been instituted between the Directorates-General so that a minimum of 20 people are available each day. Jean-Claude Juncker's former chief of staff, Martin Selmayr (current head of the European Commission's representation in Austria) could be appointed chief coordinator.

General requisition

Another expected decision: all civil servants who are not assigned to essential tasks within the European executive will be requisitioned to serve as reinforcement staff in hospitals in member countries. Boss's order. Turnaround time: 24 hours. A special TGV should convey them by the end of the week: first stop Strasbourg, major epidemic center. The train will then continue to Northern Italy.

Vehicles available to healthcare staff and sewing machines

As for official vehicles that are little used at the moment, such as minibuses, they will be made available to hospitals in Brussels, to allow home healthcare personnel to reach hospitals more easily. The marshals, if they want to move around, will use the service bicycles. Each representation of the European Commission was asked to do the same: loan of personnel and vehicles. Execution within 24 hours. Staff confined to their homes will be used to make masks. Commissioner Thierry Breton in charge of the internal market should announce the launch of a call for tenders to supply 5000 sewing machines. The delivery time is not specified on the note (written in French which is surprising) seen by us...

(NGV)

Read this article carefully until the end, it's April 1st...

Clarifications on the appointment of a chief coordinator