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N.Y. Has Only 6 Days’ Supply of Ventilators, Cuomo Says: Live Updates N.Y. Has Only 6 Days’ Supply of Ventilators, Cuomo Says: Live Updates
(32 minutes later)
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Thursday that at the rate the state is using ventilators for coronavirus patients, it only has about six days before it will run out.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said on Thursday that at the rate the state is using ventilators for coronavirus patients, it only has about six days before it will run out.
“If a person comes in and needs a ventilator and you don’t have a ventilator, the person dies,” Mr. Cuomo said at his daily briefing in Albany. “That’s the blunt equation here. And right now we have a burn rate that would suggest we have about six days in the stockpile.”“If a person comes in and needs a ventilator and you don’t have a ventilator, the person dies,” Mr. Cuomo said at his daily briefing in Albany. “That’s the blunt equation here. And right now we have a burn rate that would suggest we have about six days in the stockpile.”
The governor said that there were 2,200 ventilators in the state’s stockpile and that about 350 new patients a day need them. At that pace, he said, “2,200 disappears very quickly.”The governor said that there were 2,200 ventilators in the state’s stockpile and that about 350 new patients a day need them. At that pace, he said, “2,200 disappears very quickly.”
Mr. Cuomo said that he had spoken to President Trump on Thursday and that while he was sure “the federal government would do anything they can do to help,” he did not think New York could count on the White House to address the shortfall in time.Mr. Cuomo said that he had spoken to President Trump on Thursday and that while he was sure “the federal government would do anything they can do to help,” he did not think New York could count on the White House to address the shortfall in time.
“I don’t think the federal government is in a position to provide ventilators to the extent the nation may need them,” he said. “Assume you are on your own in life.”“I don’t think the federal government is in a position to provide ventilators to the extent the nation may need them,” he said. “Assume you are on your own in life.”
Mr. Cuomo also said the state had been making contingency plans. It has been trying to buy more ventilators on the open market and converting BPAP machines — another kind of respiratory device — for use as ventilators. Unused ventilators from hospitals in upstate New York could also be moved to New York City and the surrounding area as needed, he said.Mr. Cuomo also said the state had been making contingency plans. It has been trying to buy more ventilators on the open market and converting BPAP machines — another kind of respiratory device — for use as ventilators. Unused ventilators from hospitals in upstate New York could also be moved to New York City and the surrounding area as needed, he said.
“We have all these extraordinary measures that I believe if push comes to shove will put us in fairly good shape,” he said.“We have all these extraordinary measures that I believe if push comes to shove will put us in fairly good shape,” he said.
The governor’s other notable updates included a “troubling” surge of over 1,000 new cases in Nassau County on Long Island overnight. The county now has over 10,000 confirmed virus cases, he said.The governor’s other notable updates included a “troubling” surge of over 1,000 new cases in Nassau County on Long Island overnight. The county now has over 10,000 confirmed virus cases, he said.
Other daily statistics from the governor’s briefing.Other daily statistics from the governor’s briefing.
Deaths in New York State: 2,373, up 432 from 1,941 on Wednesday. New York now accounts for 49 percent of the 4,841 virus-related deaths in the United States.Deaths in New York State: 2,373, up 432 from 1,941 on Wednesday. New York now accounts for 49 percent of the 4,841 virus-related deaths in the United States.
Confirmed cases: 92,381 in New York State, up from 83,712. New York City has nearly 52,000.Confirmed cases: 92,381 in New York State, up from 83,712. New York City has nearly 52,000.
Hospitalized in New York State: 13,383, up from 12,226.Hospitalized in New York State: 13,383, up from 12,226.
In intensive care in New York State: 3,396, up from 3,022.In intensive care in New York State: 3,396, up from 3,022.
In more positive news, the governor said that 21,000 medical workers from outside the state had volunteered to work in New York hospitals. Including workers from New York, more than 85,000 health care professionals, many of them retirees, have said they were ready to help.In more positive news, the governor said that 21,000 medical workers from outside the state had volunteered to work in New York hospitals. Including workers from New York, more than 85,000 health care professionals, many of them retirees, have said they were ready to help.
Mr. Cuomo’s brother, Chris, a CNN anchor who is infected with the virus, called in to the briefing via video to provide an update on his health. He said he was “doing pretty well, all things considered.”Mr. Cuomo’s brother, Chris, a CNN anchor who is infected with the virus, called in to the briefing via video to provide an update on his health. He said he was “doing pretty well, all things considered.”
A New York City Housing Authority retiree ticked off his running tally: an ex-wife sick, a daughter sick, and three old friends dead. In Queens, a young poet learned a friend’s parents are in the hospital, one on a ventilator.A New York City Housing Authority retiree ticked off his running tally: an ex-wife sick, a daughter sick, and three old friends dead. In Queens, a young poet learned a friend’s parents are in the hospital, one on a ventilator.
And Qtina Parson of Parkchester in the Bronx gave a grim reversal of the cheerful family updates one expects from the proud mother, sister and aunt that she used to sound like just a couple of weeks — a lifetime — ago.And Qtina Parson of Parkchester in the Bronx gave a grim reversal of the cheerful family updates one expects from the proud mother, sister and aunt that she used to sound like just a couple of weeks — a lifetime — ago.
“My nephew — sick, he’s 28,” she said. “Him and his girlfriend. My sister-in-law, she’s 46, she had it.” Her son, Marcus, 18, is with relatives in South Carolina, where he has developed a fever and a cough.“My nephew — sick, he’s 28,” she said. “Him and his girlfriend. My sister-in-law, she’s 46, she had it.” Her son, Marcus, 18, is with relatives in South Carolina, where he has developed a fever and a cough.
New Yorkers have watched in helpless fear as the coronavirus, with dizzying speed and ferocity, truly took hold of the city in recent days.New Yorkers have watched in helpless fear as the coronavirus, with dizzying speed and ferocity, truly took hold of the city in recent days.
With almost 1,400 dead, many have already lost someone in their circle. And almost everyone now knows someone who is sick.With almost 1,400 dead, many have already lost someone in their circle. And almost everyone now knows someone who is sick.
The rising number of cases has conversely shrunk the private worlds of some 8 million individual people. It is as if the microscopic enemy, once an abstract nuisance, seemed to be closing in, its arrival announced with the now-constant peal of the ambulance siren.The rising number of cases has conversely shrunk the private worlds of some 8 million individual people. It is as if the microscopic enemy, once an abstract nuisance, seemed to be closing in, its arrival announced with the now-constant peal of the ambulance siren.
New York City has already set up 45 new mobile morgues. Local crematories are now allowed to work around the clock. At one Brooklyn hospital, the in-house morgue was filled to capacity on Tuesday. The next day, the nursing staff ran out of body bags.New York City has already set up 45 new mobile morgues. Local crematories are now allowed to work around the clock. At one Brooklyn hospital, the in-house morgue was filled to capacity on Tuesday. The next day, the nursing staff ran out of body bags.
As the coronavirus epidemic enters its second month, the casualties in New York are starting to severely tax the city’s ability to accommodate its dead. With more than 1,000 deaths so far and thousands more projected, city officials are working hard to stave off an emergency.As the coronavirus epidemic enters its second month, the casualties in New York are starting to severely tax the city’s ability to accommodate its dead. With more than 1,000 deaths so far and thousands more projected, city officials are working hard to stave off an emergency.
All of New York City playgrounds were ordered shut on Wednesday to slow the spread of the coronavirus, a move that led to scenes of crying children while shaking locked gates, even as others called the measure long overdue.All of New York City playgrounds were ordered shut on Wednesday to slow the spread of the coronavirus, a move that led to scenes of crying children while shaking locked gates, even as others called the measure long overdue.
Mr. Cuomo’s announcement came after public-health experts and many City Council members called for the playgrounds to be closed. But it added a new challenge for families weathering a lockdown that has closed schools.Mr. Cuomo’s announcement came after public-health experts and many City Council members called for the playgrounds to be closed. But it added a new challenge for families weathering a lockdown that has closed schools.
The governor said he was forced to act because too many people had ignored multiple public warnings, continuing to crowd playgrounds and jostle on basketball courts instead of staying six feet apart as experts recommend to cut down on virus transmission.The governor said he was forced to act because too many people had ignored multiple public warnings, continuing to crowd playgrounds and jostle on basketball courts instead of staying six feet apart as experts recommend to cut down on virus transmission.
In Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, where a boardwalk stretches for blocks along a windswept beach, Vitali Mourzakhanov arrived at a playground with his 2-year-old daughter on a bicycle with training wheels.In Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, where a boardwalk stretches for blocks along a windswept beach, Vitali Mourzakhanov arrived at a playground with his 2-year-old daughter on a bicycle with training wheels.
He was relieved to see it closed.He was relieved to see it closed.
“I think it’s long overdue, people don’t sanitize the swings,” said Mr. Mourzakhanov, 43, a steamfitter.“I think it’s long overdue, people don’t sanitize the swings,” said Mr. Mourzakhanov, 43, a steamfitter.
The city’s decision, he said, made his job as a parent easier.The city’s decision, he said, made his job as a parent easier.
“Now, it’s locked, it’s closed,” he said. “So no crying.”“Now, it’s locked, it’s closed,” he said. “So no crying.”
For many members of Alcoholics Anonymous, meetings are about bodies in space — hugs, pats on backs and a tissue every now and then.For many members of Alcoholics Anonymous, meetings are about bodies in space — hugs, pats on backs and a tissue every now and then.
But a quarantine is a trying time. And as “people who can drink normally” — A.A. lingo for nonalcoholics — are stocking up on liquor (in New York, liquor stores are considered “essential businesses”), A.A. members are hellbent on keeping meetings going.But a quarantine is a trying time. And as “people who can drink normally” — A.A. lingo for nonalcoholics — are stocking up on liquor (in New York, liquor stores are considered “essential businesses”), A.A. members are hellbent on keeping meetings going.
Though at least one New York City meeting stayed open a few days after the lockdown, its chairs spaced six feet apart, meetings are now convening on Zoom. And internet A.A., at first glance, is uncanny. Members make disclosures to a crowd of internet strangers who cannot, really, look one another in the eye.Though at least one New York City meeting stayed open a few days after the lockdown, its chairs spaced six feet apart, meetings are now convening on Zoom. And internet A.A., at first glance, is uncanny. Members make disclosures to a crowd of internet strangers who cannot, really, look one another in the eye.
“I have several hours clean,” one person said last week. “I need help.”“I have several hours clean,” one person said last week. “I need help.”
Many people who speak in meetings say they’re overwhelmed with relief to find the online gatherings in a difficult moment.Many people who speak in meetings say they’re overwhelmed with relief to find the online gatherings in a difficult moment.
“Part of me wants to shut down, to make the world as small as my bed,” someone said the other day. “But in sobriety I find I can be of service to my mother — actually call, ask her about what interests her, make sure she’s OK.”“Part of me wants to shut down, to make the world as small as my bed,” someone said the other day. “But in sobriety I find I can be of service to my mother — actually call, ask her about what interests her, make sure she’s OK.”
At SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, the operating rooms have been freed up and the cafeteria has been turned into a medical ward. On Mr. Cuomo’s orders, the hospital is to begin treating patients virus patients exclusively, and officials have been told to make way for hundreds of such patients.At SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, the operating rooms have been freed up and the cafeteria has been turned into a medical ward. On Mr. Cuomo’s orders, the hospital is to begin treating patients virus patients exclusively, and officials have been told to make way for hundreds of such patients.
“We’re really scrubbing the deck,” said Dr. Wayne J. Riley, the president of the hospital, which is part of the State University of New York system and among Brooklyn’s largest employers.“We’re really scrubbing the deck,” said Dr. Wayne J. Riley, the president of the hospital, which is part of the State University of New York system and among Brooklyn’s largest employers.
The number of virus patients at the hospital is already nearing 200, Dr. Riley said, and the SUNY Downstate expects up to 150 more. Patients with other ailments will be transferred to either the Navy hospital ship Comfort or to makeshift wards at the Javits Convention Center.The number of virus patients at the hospital is already nearing 200, Dr. Riley said, and the SUNY Downstate expects up to 150 more. Patients with other ailments will be transferred to either the Navy hospital ship Comfort or to makeshift wards at the Javits Convention Center.
The governor has designated two other state facilities, South Beach Psychiatric Facility in Staten Island and Westchester Square in the Bronx, for virus patients specifically.The governor has designated two other state facilities, South Beach Psychiatric Facility in Staten Island and Westchester Square in the Bronx, for virus patients specifically.
As at other hospitals in New York City, the virus has taken a toll on SUNY Downstate, where resources are running low and doctors and nurses continue to get sick.As at other hospitals in New York City, the virus has taken a toll on SUNY Downstate, where resources are running low and doctors and nurses continue to get sick.
Even in normal times, the hospital has struggled. It is chronically underfunded and has not had serious capital improvements since it was built in 1963.Even in normal times, the hospital has struggled. It is chronically underfunded and has not had serious capital improvements since it was built in 1963.
SUNY Downstate serves a population that is among the city’s poorest, with high rates of the conditions that can increase the risk of dying of the virus, including obesity, diabetes and hypertension.SUNY Downstate serves a population that is among the city’s poorest, with high rates of the conditions that can increase the risk of dying of the virus, including obesity, diabetes and hypertension.
“I’m concerned that this pandemic will exacerbate health care disparities for the patients we serve,” said Dr. Riley, who is in his third year as the hospital’s president. “The pandemic has a particular predilection for patients like ours.”“I’m concerned that this pandemic will exacerbate health care disparities for the patients we serve,” said Dr. Riley, who is in his third year as the hospital’s president. “The pandemic has a particular predilection for patients like ours.”
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Reporting was contributed by Anne Barnard, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Alan Feuer, Michael Gold, Virginia Heffernan, Corey Kilgannon, Andy Newman, Andrea Salcedo, Nate Schweber, Michael Schwirtz, Matt Stevens and Michael Wilson.Reporting was contributed by Anne Barnard, Jonah Engel Bromwich, Alan Feuer, Michael Gold, Virginia Heffernan, Corey Kilgannon, Andy Newman, Andrea Salcedo, Nate Schweber, Michael Schwirtz, Matt Stevens and Michael Wilson.