TULSA, Okla. — Across the country, states do what they can to keep up with a patient surge. Hospitals swell with sick people and are expecting to have more to care for as the outbreak spreads.
The plan to handle the expected patient influx in Oklahoma includes opening two COVID-19 centers.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt says, based on peak projections, an extra 4,000 to 6,800 hospital beds will be needed.
Governor Stitt says they are working with FEMA and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers on alternative care sites.
“Last week, I instructed FEMA and the U.S. Corps of Engineers to start working and analyzing sites across our state, so we could build field hospitals," Stitt said. "They have inspected a number of sites and we should have a final report back within the next 24 hours.”
They have nailed down the cities where two COVID centers will go, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
The Tulsa Health Department says the area emergency management agency and other public health officials are also looking at other potential alternate care facilities.
Hillcrest Medical Center says, right now, they are prepared as they continue to treat increasing numbers of symptomatic patients.
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