NJ Preparing for COVID-19 ‘Surge’ Via Pop-Up Field Hospitals

By Jim Pytell, Assistant Editor On Mar 25, 2020

New Jersey reported 736 new cases of COVID-19 overnight, bringing the statewide total of cases to 4,402. Eighteen more deaths were also reported, bringing the total number of fatalities from the virus to 62.

“At this moment, our hospital networks are currently meeting the needs of patients who require hospitalization,” Gov. Phil Murphy said at today’s COVID-19 task force briefing. ”But we must be ready for the time when the surge comes and this is no longer the case.”

Currently, the state has 18,433 acute care beds, including 2,000 beds for those requiring critical care.

The goal, Murphy said, is to increase capacity by 2,360.

A total of 1,360 new beds can potentially come from closed hospitals being brought back into service as well as current hospitals building out capacity in their current facilities, according to Murphy.

Up to an additional 1,000 beds will be available from the construction of field hospitals that, according to the governor, “can be activated in just a matter of days and weeks.”

These field hospitals would ease the strain on current hospitals by providing non-COVID-19 related care to those who need it.

The pop-up hospitals will be located at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, the New Jersey Convention Center and Exposition Center in Edison, and the Atlantic City Convention Center. A fourth site is also coming, but its location is yet to be determined.

Murphy said there is flexibility when it comes to the number of beds at each facility based on need as things progress.

“These steps will allow us to expand hospital capacity rapidly in the short term,” Murphy said. “They will also ensure a proper continuum of care for residents who need it, and greater flexibility for our healthcare system to respond to this emergency.”

Federal Aid

Murphy also again reiterated the “desperate” need for federal aid stating that he spoke with Vice President Mike Pence this morning regarding a disaster declaration and the need for more personal protective equipment.

“We’ve received two installments, but we need a lot more,” Murphy said, adding that the state will re-clarify its ask, as requested by Vice President Pence.

Additionally, the Federal Department of Health and Human Services awarded $1.9 million to help 24 health centers in New Jersey address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies and boost telehealth capacity.

Childcare Centers to Exclusively Serve Children of Essential Workers

Murphy also signed an Executive Order that directs all childcare centers statewide that wish to continue operating, to certify by Friday, March 27 that they will solely serve the children of essential workers.

Those that do not certify must close by Wednesday, April 1.

Those that remain open will need to abide by new health and safety guidelines.

Murphy said the reasoning behind the EO is to eliminate barriers that would otherwise prevent essential workers from doing their jobs.

“We need all of our frontline workers on the job,” he said. “A lack of childcare cannot be a barrier for them or our response. While these workers commit themselves to helping our New Jersey family, we will commit to helping their families.”

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