President Trump announced a massive US Navy hospital ship is being deployed to Los Angeles to offer relief to local hospitals dealing with the rising count of COVID-19 patients.
While currently in Seattle, the USNS Mercy, a converted supertanker, is expected to arrive at the Port of Los Angeles next week.
Governor Newsom had initially made the request for the Navy hospital ship and quickly shared news of its approval.
"President Trump has approved our request to deploy the #USNSMercy to Los Angeles. Grateful for the quick response and partnership," Newsom tweeted.
President Trump has approved our request to deploy the #USNSMercy to Los Angeles. Grateful for the quick response and partnership, @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/hN7wJfQz1n
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 23, 2020In addition to 1000 hospital beds, Mercy is outfitted with 12 fully equipped operating rooms; a pharmacy; medical, radiological and optometry labs; and two oxygen-producing plants, according to the Navy.
The President also activated the National Guard to California in order to provide additional resources to combat the novel coronavirus.
The news comes as Los Angeles County reported a fifth death from coronavirus, with the total number of confirmed cases now at 409.
As the COVID-19 spread continues, the county saw 132 new diagnoses in the last 48 hours.
