Northeastern States Organize to Buy Medical Equipment

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says the state is trying to learn the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic so it won't repeat the same mistakes. He says that will include requiring all New York hospitals to keep 90 day supplies of personal protective gear on hand for their staffs. It will also include a consortium of six Northeastern states to jointly buy medical equipment to force better prices and a more reliable supply by using their market power together.

Cuomo says they will try to by American instead of from China, and buy from neighboring states to support the regional economy.

The governor says we need statewide planning for all hospital systems next time. Such a system was quickly thrown together to deal with hospital overcrowding and shortage of equipment downstate, but Cuomo says it needs reorganization.

New York's COVID-19 numbers still appear to be on a downward trend. There were 280 deaths Saturday across the state and the number of New Yorkers hospitalized is now less than 9,800. It's the first time since March 19th the number has been below 10,000. There were 789 new cases and 280 deaths over the last 24 hours.

Cuomo spoke at his daily briefing with the Governors of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Delaware also speaking online.


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