The United States is currently the third country in the world in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases, more than 62,000 and nearly 900 deaths. However, New York State has half of the confirmed cases of the disease (more than 30,000) in the country, and almost a third of the deaths (almost 300).
We are the epicenter, state Governor Andrew Cuomo said in his daily press briefing on Wednesday. But whatever we go through now, you will experience it later, he told his counterparts in other states.
According to him, the social distancing measures – which he initially opposed – seem to work, however. Since Sunday evening, the 19.6 million citizens of the state have been confined to their homes, and only businesses deemed essential remain open.
Social distancing, no restaurants, no non-essential employees
are heavy demands
, more effective and necessary
and evidence at this point suggests that they are slowing down hospitalizations
, he said during his press briefing.
Governor Cuomo said 3,800 people are currently hospitalized, 900 of whom are in intensive care.
State analyzes showed Sunday that the number of hospitalizations doubled every 2 days. Since Tuesday, their number seems to double instead every 4.7 days.% that this trend will continue, or even that it is faithful to the situation on the ground. However, the indicators are pointing in the right direction “,” text “:” This is a very good sign, a positive sign. But, again, I’m not 100% sure that this trend will continue, or even that it is true to the situation on the ground. However, the indicators point in the right direction “}}” lang = “fr”>This is a very good sign, a positive sign. But, again, I’m not 100% sure that this trend will continue, or even that it is true to the situation on the ground. However, the indicators point in the right direction, commented Mr. Cuomo.
Coping with the influx of patients
According to Cuomo, the peak of the pandemic will be reached within 14 to 21 days in New York state.
It is therefore a race against time that is being played out to cope with the influx of patients. The state currently has 53,000 inpatient beds, 3,000 intensive care beds and approximately 14,000 artificial respirators. However, to meet the needs, the governor estimates that 140,000 hospital beds, 40,000 intensive care beds and 30,000 artificial respirators will be needed.
Authorities are already converting the Jacob K. Javits Center, a Manhattan conference center, into an emergency hospital. This measure should make it possible to add 2,000 hospital beds.
In addition, a hospital ship, the US Comfort, is expected in mid-April in New York Harbor, which will add another 1,000 beds. Hotels will also be requisitioned to be converted into temporary hospitals, and the hospitals themselves are expected to increase their capacity by at least 50%.
New York is the most populous city in the United States, with 8.3 million inhabitants. Authorities on Wednesday identified nearly 18,000 cases and nearly 200 deaths.
In anticipation of the rising death toll, the city is also building a temporary morgue, in case the already existing facilities are insufficient for the task. This is a provision of the emergency plan provided by the City, which must prepare for all possible scenarios, commented a spokesperson for Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Workers are building a temporary morgue behind a Manhattan hospital.
Photo: Reuters / Carlo Allegri
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Meanwhile, Governor Cuomo announced that starting Thursday, arteries will be closed to road traffic in all major boroughs of New York City to allow people to exit while maintaining a safe distance.
As there are far fewer cars on the streets now, why not pedestrianize them to allow people who want to go for a walk, to take the air, to do so without ending up in a group?
, he explained.
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