INVESTIGATIONS
9Wants to Know examined a 2009 pandemic influenza plan to recognize what resources Colorado might need to fight COVID-19
DENVER–
The Colorado Workplace of Emergency Management on Wednesday acknowledged, after questions raised by 9Wants to Know, that the agency expects a scarcity of medical workers and equipment, including ventilators and healthcare facility beds– a truth that could complicate the treatment of COVID-19 clients.
” We expect there will be a scarcity of medical resources, including individual protective devices (PPE), ICU beds and ventilators, so we are exploring all options to get additional resources to Colorado,” stated Mike Willis, director of the Colorado Workplace of Emergency Situation Management. “The awaited lacks are more reason why we are urging Coloradans to stay at home whenever possible– and certainly while they may be ill.”
” At the peak of the crisis, we expect that we will need thousands more hospital beds,” Polis said.
9Wants to Know has actually been asking for numbers of total beds and intensive care unit beds for more than a week.
” I stress that as the infection rates continue to climb we’re extremely quickly going to outstrip our present supply of hospital beds,” said Dr. Payal Kohli, 9Health specialist.
9Wants to Know compared information from the hospital association with extreme influenza pandemic assistance published by the Colorado Department of Public H