New York State, the epicenter of the new coronavirus in the United States, announced Saturday 630 new deaths in one day, its worst 24-hour toll, and is accelerating preparations while waiting for the “peak” of the epidemic.
The state now deplores 3,565 deaths and more than 113,000 cases – including 63,000 for the city of New York – almost as many as in Italy or Spain, where the death tolls are the heaviest.
“We have not yet reached the peak ‘of the epidemic’ but we are getting closer,” Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a press conference, stressing that the progression of the disease was particularly rapid on Long Island.
To avoid hospital congestion, local authorities are in a race against time to strengthen their capacity to cope with the expected influx of patients.
“When we started our first concern was to have enough beds, now we focus on equipment and personnel,” said Andrew Cuomo, emphasizing the need for ventilators for the most severe cases.
“The Chinese government will facilitate a donation of 1,000 respirators due to arrive at JFK airport today,” he said, especially thanking Ali Baba founder Jack Ma.
The state of Oregon on the west coast is also due to deliver 140 respirators, Cuomo added.
In addition, he said, the field hospital opened in a Manhattan conference center will ultimately be well devoted to Covid-19 patients, and will be able to accommodate 2,500. The federal state will provide its personnel.
For his part, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio called on health professionals to mobilize.
“Doctors, nurses, breathing specialists … to all those who are not already in the battle: we need you”, launched the democratic councilor in a video posted on his Twitter account.
“We need 45,000 health professionals to join the fight in April and May to be able to get out of this,” added Bill de Blasio.
At the state level, 85,000 people have already volunteered, including 22,000 from outside, according to Cuomo.
04/04/2020 18:34:14 – New York (AFP) – © 2020 AFP
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