NJ Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report

NEW JERSEY – With the number of new coronavirus cases increasing nationwide and in our area, some hospitals in New Jersey are projected to run out of beds for patients if the number of infected people rises by even a few hundred.

The warning about the potential for overwhelmed hospitals comes from an analysis by Harvard Global Health Institute and ProPublica.

The report underscores the seriousness of the need to "flatten the curve" through social distancing, which health officials hope will slow the spread of the disease and keep hospital caseloads manageable. But even in what experts consider a moderate rate of infection, ProPublica said, New Jersey hospitals would fall short of the demand for beds.

Already, New Jersey has recorded 427 confirmed cases and three deaths.

Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered schools and non-essential businesses closed in an attempt to stunt the increase in cases, and he's also banned gatherings of 50 people ore more. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

During a press conference on Wednesday, Murphy said he's also put in a request with the Trump administration to help erect more emergency beds and even hospitals.

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said she's concerned about the health care system, saying the state is looking to ensure that hospitals have the manpower, the supplies and the space that's needed for the duration of the outbreak.

"There are predictions that many parts of the United States will have far too few hospital beds if the new coronavirus continues to spread," she said. "That's why we're working with hospitals to develop surge and capacity planning."

She said 260 additional beds should be brought online by Wednesday. Of those, 199 will be in North Jersey, 11 will be in Central Jersey and 50 will be in South Jersey.

Persichilli expects 227 additional beds to become available within next three to four weeks

ProPublica divided New Jersey into several regions, but it's not clear if Jersey Shore hospitals were included. Here is what it said about hospitals in each region:

• Bergen Area Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report
• New Brunswick Area Lacks Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report
• Newark Area Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report
• Morris Area Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Surge: Report
• Camden Area Hospitals Lack Beds For Coronavirus Outbreak: Report

ProPublica, a Patch Partner, is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power and other public concerns. Click here to see ProPublica’s full story and specifics about hospitals in your area