Sanjay Gupta says field hospitals are a possibility in the US according to the

[applegrove]

governments own models. That rationing healthcare, like they are doing in Italy, is a real possibility. CNN.

[intrepidity]

1. Rationing healthcare is more than merely a possibility imho

Matter of time only

[Newest Reality]

3. Yes...

Possibility is more like a certainty now.

My guess is that we have about two weeks, (especially because of the bungle in the Trump jungle) before we see the full brunt of massive strain on our healthcare services, as well as major disruptions, shortages, etc.

Remember, too, that we have a JIT system for most supplies and food, (Just In Time) and that means very little backup for emergencies. That assures maximum efficiency and profits, but it sucks in emergencies and as far as being prepared and storage goes.

[intrepidity]

5. Agreed. I'm saying three weeks though

It is such a complex picture.

Posted this a several days ago:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213034235

[Newest Reality]

6. Yes,

Three or four is a good range.

The reason I say two is the testing issue and some accounts that we have had it here longer than was first thought. We really can't rely on the current information about the US without accurate testing to confirm cases, so I am assuming it is far more prevalent here now than believed and we will only know with more certainty when: 1. There are enough test kits, (8-weeks away?) 2. The results are obvious despite testing.

[intrepidity]

7. Oh yes. Based on nextstrain.org data,

it's been here since mid January

[EarthFirst]

2. Government models include provisions for large scale triage?

That seems like forethought like we’ve yet to see demonstrated by the response so far.

[applegrove]

4. Yup. If it is a moderate pandemic the us will need double the beds. That sounds

impossible.

[Newest Reality]

8. And at least...

Twice the ventilators we currently have available.

I have not heard much about how much we have in our "secret" stockpiles of medical equipment for such emergencies. They are kept secret as to amount and location for strategic reasons, but we probably won't find out about them until the resources are strained to the maximum.

That is, unless Jr. and Jared cleaned out the stockpiles and sold them.