Army preparing 2 field hospitals

The Army is preparing to deploy two field hospitals, according to Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy. One unnamed defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the field hospitals will go to New York City and Seattle, Wash., two hard-hit coronavirus areas. Those details have not been made public. The Army field hospitals could provide about 1,000 beds. There are more ways the military could assist in the coronavirus crisis; and Pentagon leaders have been having on-going discussions with federal/state officials. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Friedrichs, surgeon for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters March 16 that defense officials are trying to identify "what's within the realm of the possible.” DoD has a detailed pandemic response plan of possible things the military can do, if requested. Drafted and overhauled several times over years, the military's plan is closely guarded and officials decline to discuss details publicly. (Source: Stars & Stripes 03/18/20) https://www.stripes.com/news/us/us-military-s-role-in-response-to-virus-outbreak-is-growing-1.622951