THE coronavirus crisis won’t peak in New York for 45 DAYS despite almost 1,500 cases and 12 deaths, officials say.
Governer Andrew Cuomo confirmed the shocking news at a press conference today after 432 new COVID-19 cases emerged in-state.
Cuomo said 10,049 people have been tested in New York so far and 1,374 of these tested positive – but the rate of “exponentially higher” cases could mean fewer hospital beds, he warned.
There are 53,000 hospital beds but many of these are in use and hospitals may need 55,000 up to 110,000 beds to treat coronavirus patients.
Right now, New York State has 3,000 ICU beds.
Disturbingly, ICU units may also be overrun when the pandemic peaks in NY: 18,600 to 37,200 ICU beds may be required.
Cuomo confirmed officials and experts and working towards “surge capacity” in New York hospitals which involves fitting more beds in them and allocating more people to one room.
But he said no city in the state would be “quarantining itself,” despite the rumors.
“Our cases are again number one in the nation,” Cuomo said during the bleak update. “How can you reduce the flow, you reduce the spread.”
Cuomo said to reduce the spread of the virus, officials must close down interaction which they did by closing bars and gyms.
“Italy got to the point where the only thing they left open were grocery stores and pharmacies,” the governor continued.
“We’re not there yet but I’m telling you, we have to get down that rate [of infection].”
The killer virus has pummelled states around the country with at least 4,486 confirmed cases in 49 states, Washington DC, and three US territories, as well as 86 deaths.
In an unprecedented move, New York State Department of Health (DOH) called on former doctors and nurses to dust off their scrubs and join the fight against the virus last week, as they trawl medical schools for more staff.
Cuomo confirmed the news last Thursday, urging ex-medics to “contact your previous employer” so that DOH could “accelerate your re-certification on an emergency basis.”
FEMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers may also construct temporary hospitals, a potential decision that would mirror the moves made by Chinese authorities in the virus epicenter Wuhan.
Cuomo urged people to stay inside and isolate in a bid to flatten the curve and prevent medical facilities from being overrun with coronavirus patients.
His latest update comes after the New York politician announced restaurants and bars would shut down across the tri-state area in an effort to contain the spread.
As governors across the country implement such emergency measures during the ongoing crisis, President Trump has also urged people to avoid large groups, going to school and unneccesary travel.
The unprecented pandemic has rocked the nation as stocks plummet and bustling US cities like Manhattan come to a silent standstill while residents quarantine and self-isolate.
