US Open tennis venue throw open doors to combat pandemic

The world of sport has, over the month of March, extended it's helping hand to combat the growing shadow of coronavirus pandemic in more ways than one. While the stars have chipped in with financial contributions, leading sports venues have thrown open their real estate to open makeshift hospitals, isolation wards or even space for the medical staff.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has lent its support by giving the parking space of the Lord's Cricket Ground to the medical staff. In addition to the parking space, the MCC has also decided to provide storage areas for the Wellington Hospital in the UK.

"In light of the current situation regarding the outbreak of Covid-19, MCC has been in continuous dialogue with Westminster City Council as to how the Club can utilise elements of Lord's Cricket Ground for the good of the community," the MCC said in an official statement. "MCC has currently provided 75 parking space at Lord's for staff at Wellington Hospital, University College Hospital, and the Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.

We are also providing storage areas for the Wellington Hospital - which is situated very close to the ground," it added. The club also decided to provide some food to City Harvest London, to help using surplus food in a sustainable manner.

"MCC has provided food to City Harvest London, who help put fresh surplus food to good use in a sustainable way, redistributing to organisations that feed the hungry," the club said.