Regional State Purchasing Consortium
Governor Cuomo today announced the formation of a seven-state Regional State Purchasing Consortium to increase market power and bring down prices. This partnership, which includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, will jointly procure PPE (personal protective equipment), tests, ventilators, and other medical equipment. Additionally, the Consortium will seek to identify and avoid irresponsible vendors, identify American suppliers of required equipment, and develop new in-State and regional suppliers to minimize supply chain risk and drive regional economic development.
PPE Requirement in Hospitals
To prepare for potential subsequent waves of COVID-19, the NYS Department of Health will require hospitals to build up a supply of PPE that could last at least 90 days during a surge in hospitalizations.
COVID-19 Numbers
Thankfully, we are remaining on the far side of the COVID-19 plateau. That said, the number of deaths in the State has increased by 280 since yesterday to 19,189 total.