Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday health officials estimate the coronavirus surge in in Massachusetts could result in confirmed cases numbering between 47,000 and 172,000 cases during the course of the pandemic.

About .7% to 2.5% of total state population will become infected. He said that health officials modeling the infection rate in the state expect the surge in hospitalizations between April 10-20.

Baker said the state estimates a need to expand the capacity of ICU beds by approximately 500 beds in coming weeks.

Additionally Baker is aiming to build out 750-1,000 beds using field hospital technology, a “proven approach around the country and across the world to create additional capacity.”

The governor on Wednesday toured the first field hospital site in the state at the DCU Center in Worcester which will host 250 beds for patients recovering from COVID-19.

On news announced this morning that Massachusetts, working with Patriots owner Robert Kraft and federal officials, have arranged for a shipment of over a million masks using the patriots jet, Baker said he is “extremely pleased,” adding “we will always need additional gear.”

HHS Secretary Marylou Sudders said the gear will be quickly inventoried and prepared for a fast delivery to hospitals and others.

Most of that shipment will arrive tonight with more on the way shortly after, Baker said. Some of the gear will go to New York.

— Developing