NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Governor Andrew Cuomo said Monday that he is worried about hospital space during this "looming crisis."
As hospitals prepare for a surge in patients, Cuomo asks for a federalized response from the government.
"We don't have any option - we know the healthcare system will become overwhelmed and that's how people die," Cuomo said on the "Morning Joe" show.
Adding that "this is a disaster waiting to happen."
New York state only has about 3,000 ICU beds available but many of them are already filled, according to Cuomo and called on the Corps of Engineers to start building new treatment facilities immediately.
Despite closed schools and restaurants closing the governor says there needs to be set federal regulations.
"You have to have consolidated, centralized authority," Cuomo said on CNN. "It makes no sense for all these states to be doing different things ... We need the federal government to stand up and say 'here are the rules.'"
When asked if the sate would be on total lockdown such as has been seen in places such as Italy or Spain, Cuomo answered "I hope not and I don't believe so."
Cuomo also added that he would be announcing more actions later in the day.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday morning that we need a national solution and says it begins with testing to make sure healthcare workers are safe.
"We're going to have to set up emergency ICU in hospitals, the mayor said on the "Morning Joe" show. "We need US military and the supply chain nationalized in some form."
He also added that the government may have to assure food supply in the future as the coronavirus outbreak continues and referenced the Great Depression.
