New York Boosts Hospital Capacity As New COVID-19 Variant Concerns Grow

ALBANY – New York State is working to boost hospital capacity and address staffing shortages statewide as new COVID-19 variant concerns grow.

Governor Kathy Hochul took executive action late last week.

Her order allows the state health department to limit non-essential surgeries, if needed, to ensure capacity. The governor said the order also will allow the state to acquire critical supplies more quickly.

The protocol comes amid warnings about a new and highly transmissible coronavirus variant, known as “omicron,” that has not yet been detected in New York.

There are growing concerns about hospital beds and staffing. Hospitalizations have risen sharply of late in much of the state.