Gantz pushes field hospitals as coronavirus wards overflow

The defense minister's orders come after Health Ministry DG tells hospital chief the number of seriously ill will increase by 200-300 in the next 10 days, putting the health system 'in a state of emergency'
Ynet|
Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Monday instructed the IDF to begin preparations for the opening of field hospitals as coronavirus wards at medical centers overflow with patients.
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  • Israel went into lockdown on Friday after the COVID-19 infection rate has skyrocketed over the past few weeks.
    2 View gallery
    מחלקת קורונה בית חולים שיבא תל השומר
    מחלקת קורונה בית חולים שיבא תל השומר
    Coronavirus ward at Sheba Medical Center
    (Photo: AFP)
    The first field hospital will contain about 200 beds, with the doctors, nurses and paramedics provided by the military.
    "The construction plan will be submitted to the Health Ministry and will be implemented solely in accordance with the urgent need of the health system," Gantz's office said in a statement.
    Gantz also instructed the defense establishment to begin working on an exit strategy from the current lockdown and to further strengthen police forces in case the closure continues or expands.
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    חזי לוי מנכ"ל משרד הבריאות
    חזי לוי מנכ"ל משרד הבריאות
    Health Ministry Director General Hezi Levi
    (Photo: GPO)
    Health Ministry Director General Hezi Levi said in a letter addressed to hospital chiefs earlier on Monday that in the next 10 days the country will see up to 300 new coronavirus patients in serious condition.
    "Based on the forecasts presented to us last weekend, we are expected to end the next ten days with additional 200-300 serious patients, including ventilated and critically ill," Levy wrote in a letter.
    "I ask you all, without exception, to treat this situation as an emergency for the health system, and as such I expect the management staff of all the hospitals and geriatric institutions to all join the national effort to deal with the expected burden."
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