The state of Michigan is about to get more ventilators for its fight against the infectious respiratory coronavirus, COVID-19.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday, April 15, that New York was lending the state 100 ventilators to help health care systems treat more COVID-19 patients.

Additionally, Whitmer said California will loan the state 50 ventilators, which are used to substitute the respiratory system of severely ill patients.

“I am so grateful for your partnership,” Whitmer tweeted at New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “The enemy isn’t each other, it’s COVID-19. We will get through this together.”

Gov. Cuomo said New York’s health care situation has stabilized and the state has not forgotten the generosity shown by people across the country while it was being hit hard by the coronavirus.

“New York had one of the earlier surges,” Cuomo said. “There are other places in this country now seeing increases in the death rate and there is some stress on their health care systems.”

I am so grateful for your partnership, @NYGovCuomo. The enemy isn’t each other, it’s COVID-19. We will get through this together. https://t.co/cL3PVlYeJR — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April 15, 2020

Gov. Cuomo said 50 ventilators would be sent from New York to Maryland as well.

“In our hour of need, other states stepped up to help us,” Cuomo tweeted. “We promised we would do the same.”

I am incredibly grateful that @CAgovernor sent Michigan 50 ventilators on loan from the State of California inventory that will arrive in Lansing today. These ventilators will save lives and help our health care system treat more COVID-19 patients here in Michigan. pic.twitter.com/V2JceFpbzm — Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April 15, 2020

As of Tuesday, April 14, Michigan reported having 3,316 ventilators across its eight regions, and 1,212 patients on ventilators.

Earlier this month, the state received 400 ventilators from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Gov. Whitmer asked for thousands more, along with other necessary medical supplies like gloves, N95 respirators, and nasal pharyngeal swabs.

COVID-19 has infected more than 28,000 people statewide. Michigan ranks fourth in the nation in confirmed cases, behind New York (201,834), New Jersey (68,824) and Massachusetts (28,163). Pennsylvania (25,345) and California (23,338) round out the top six states.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

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