New York State, epicenter of the new coronavirus in the United States, recorded, Saturday, April 4, 630 new deaths in one day, its worst 24-hour toll, and is accelerating preparations while waiting “peak” of the Covid-19 epidemic.
The state now deplores 3,565 deaths and more than 113,000 cases – including 63,000 for New York City – almost as many as in Italy or Spain, where the death tolls are the heaviest.
“We haven’t reached the peak yet” of the epidemic “but we are getting closer”Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a press conference, noting that the disease’s progression 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 staff”, explained Andrew Cuomo, emphasizing the need for respirators for the most severe cases.
“Chinese government to facilitate donation of 1,000 respirators due to arrive at JFK airport today”, he announced, thanking in particular the founder of Ali Baba, Jack Ma. In addition, he said, the field hospital opened in a conference center in Manhattan will ultimately be well devoted to the sick of Covid-19, and will be able to accommodate 2,500.
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.
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