De Blasio Says Surgical-Gown Shortage Is Crucial Concern in NYC

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said that a growing problem in hospitals is a shortage of surgical gowns.

While the city has enough equipment, including ventilators, for the coming week, de Blasio said he’s concerned that it might run of gowns, even after the U.S. federal government helped out over the weekend.

De Blasio thanked Trump adviser Peter Navarro, who he said helped New York City get 265,000 Tyvek suits, as well as fabric that will help the city make 40,000 gowns this week and 400,000 by May 23. Even with that aid, it’s “nowhere near” what the city needs, the mayor said. He asked for more federal help as well as gowns from other states.

New York City also needs federal cash after spending $3.5 billion on the Covid-19 outbreak, the mayor said..

He also announced that he is canceling all permits for June events and gatherings, including the Salute to Israel Parade, the Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Pride Parade, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“They will be back,” de Blasio said Monday at a press briefing. “We’re going to do it when it’s the right time.”

De Blasio pointed to some data that showed progress in tackling the spread.

People admitted to hospitals is down, to 212 from 317 as of April 17. People in ICUs is up, but just by a small increase, to 853 from 849. And the percentage of people who tested positive for Covid-19 fell to 34% from 38% as of April 17.

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