New York reviewing sites for more hospital beds, Cuomo says

New York is reviewing places to put new hospital beds in response to coronavirus outbreak, including New York City's main convention centre and some state university campuses, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Saturday.

goal is to get hospital capacity, which w stands at around 50,000, up to 75,000 beds, Cuomo said at a news briefing.

Possible locations for temporary hospitals, which would be operated by Army Corps of Engineers, include Stony Brook University and SUNY College at Old Westbury on Long Island and Westchester County Center, in dition to Manhattan's Javits Center, Cuomo said.

“Everything that can be done is being done," he said.

Officials have identified 2 million face masks that can be sent to hot spots, Cuomo said, and apparel companies are pivoting to make masks. One million masks are being sent to New York City hospitals Saturday, and 500,000 to Long Island, he said.

state is also rounding up ventilators from around state and purchasing 6,000 to deploy to most critical areas, Cuomo said.

Officials are requesting four military field hospitals with 250 beds each, Cuomo said.

state's COVID-19 caselo is w at 10.400, with about 1,600 people hospitalized.

(im credit: AP)