The fight against Coronavirus is a war. On the frontline of this battle is the healthcare system. The fight will take place in hospitals across New York City, across the state and across this nation. So our strategy is clear: don't let the hospital system get overwhelmed. The doctors, the nurses, the people working in the hospitals are the troops who are fighting this battle for us. So right now, we need to support our troops — our healthcare professionals. We need to deliver every supply, every piece of equipment that they need. That is our responsibility. And that's what New York State is working so hard to do.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. Today, New York welcomed the arrival of the US Naval Ship Comfort to New York Harbor. We knew from the very beginning of this crisis that hospital capacity was critical. We asked and the federal government answered. This ship will provide 1,000 additional hospital beds, 1,200 personnel and is a major step forward in our fight against Coronavirus.
2. We have developed a statewide public-private hospital plan to fight COVID-19. It's unfair for some hospitals to bear the brunt of this pandemic while other hospitals are less impacted. I'm glad that public and private hospitals across the state have agreed to implement a new balanced approach to fighting the virus where hospitals that are beginning to reach or exceed capacity can transfer patients to other hospitals that are not as full. Hospitals across the state have also agreed to share staff and supplies. This is necessary to save lives and keep our healthcare system functional.
3. The first temporary hospital at the Javits Center is officially open. The 1,000-bed site is accepting its first patients today. The temporary hospital was constructed in just one week — an incredible achievement.
4. New York needs relief for our nurses and doctors. I'm asking healthcare workers across the country to come and help New York if they are able. We will return the favor in your hour of need. Healthcare professionals can sign up here: http://health.ny.gov/assistance. (Or forward this email to a friend!)
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": Today is National Doctors' Day. To all the doctors and healthcare professionals putting your lives on the line to fight this virus, we thank you. You make New York proud.
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