"They needed to transfer those patients immediately, as quick as possible, because their lives were dependent on it," said O'Shaughnessy, the commander of US Northern Command overseeing the military response.

A team of 37 military doctors, nurses and technicians in full personal protective equipment moved 18 patients via ambulance to different facilities for urgent care. Ten patients were moved to the USNS Comfort, which is anchored in New York Harbor, five to Mount Sinai Hospital, two to Bellevue Hospital and one to North Central Bronx Hospital, the General said.

O'Shaughessy said the military is there to be used for just such an emergency at area hospitals.

"We are postured to be that relief valve for the overall system," he said.

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