Let’s discuss more about feasible solutions here in the US. Can ventilators somehow be shared safely so that we can effectively double the capacity? Are there alternatives to ventilators?
Maybe other than increasing bed capacity, we should do a better job of teaching people how to reduce the chances of getting complications from things like the flu and giving them the resources and support to do so, this way we can reduce the need for hospital beds. I'm talking about the importance of bed rest, fluids, etc. and paid sick leave and access to video healthcare consultations. It is amazing to me how many people are out and about while ill.
In terms of increasing hospital beds- we can reuse some of the hotels that have temporarily shut for business, but more beds don't mean that we'll have enough health workers available to support the people in these beds. This brings us back to "reduce complications and don't fill the beds."
"The hotel was a seven-story steel structure, built in 2013 and converted to a hotel in 2018, according to Xinhua"
It doesn't appear to me that this has anything to do with building codes being suspended, but I do agree with you that they should not be.
We also have thousands of small manufacturers and hobbyists who are capable of building improvised ventilators should guidance be provided.
Since we are going into spring and summer months, we can use tents to set up extra space.
Also since schools are empty, they can provide additional spaces.
We have capacity, we just need leadership and direction.
But then, they have to also be ready for war--just in case.