Hospitals brace for coronavirus onslaught | TheHill

Hospitals are bracing for an onslaught of patients as the coronavirus spreads in the United States, with experts warning that a spike in cases could overwhelm the health care system. 

Officials are increasingly calling for steps like canceling large gatherings as a way to slow down the spread of the virus. They say such measures are critical to smooth out a spike in cases over time and prevent hospital capacity from being overwhelmed. 

In the meantime, hospitals across the country are making plans to try to deal with the influx in patients. Some are concerned there could be shortages of key equipment like masks and gowns to protect health care workers, and even ventilators that allow seriously ill patients to breathe, if the virus s spread grows severe enough. 

via thehill.com