Please see points below from Gov. Cuomo's address earlier today. In addition, Hinman Straub drafted the attached memorandum providing an overview of the Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Click HERE for details
- Calling on feds to nationalize medical supply acquisition. States unable to manage procurement,
and costs, and are competing against other states.
- Governor thinks use of Defense Production Act at the federal level is appropriate for producing PPE
and ventilators. Use would resolve competitive price gouging, and interstate competition.
- Urges federal money be disbursed directly to individuals, then governments and both before
corporate subsidies. Referred to stock buy-backs with federal bailout money in 2008, and seeks to
avoid it.
- Requesting temp hospitals from Army Corps of Engineers:
- Stony Brook
- Westbury
- Westchester
- Javits Center
- Temp hospitals are helpful, but they don't come with supplies, nor staff - problematic
- Governor given approvals at state level, construction can start tomorrow.
- Asking FEMA to erect 4 federal hospitals at Javits Center - they come with staff and supplies
- Still requesting the federal government waive the 25% share of FEMA disaster money - wont be
able to pay it. Governor also asking on behalf of all states.
- State implementing trial (on Tuesday) of Hydroxychloroquine (70k), Zithromax (10k), Chloroquine
(750k).
- Requesting serological testing for Coronavirus antibodies ASAP. Possibly get people back to work
quicker (especially medical staff).
- Requesting hospitals double their existing capacity. Waiving applicable regulations.
- Hospitals must provide plan to increase beds by at least 50%, this will be a mandate, DOH
emergency order.
- Elective, non-critical surgeries cancelled on Wednesday. Should provide 25-30% more beds.
- Repurposing existing health care facilities to provide more beds.
NYC will be required to develop a plan to reduce density. Plan required for review in 24 hours.
- less traffic, open streets to pedestrians, no group activity, use bigger parks (some suggestions).