According to Reuters, the coronavirus outbreak in New York City has pushed its ambulance service to the limit.
20% of the 4,500 ambulance workers are out sick—battling covid-19, while emergency calls are skyrocketing.
On Thursday, EMS received over 6,000 calls.
EMS lieutenant Vincent Variale explained “We’ve broken every call volume record we’ve ever seen before.” Dr. Lewis Marshall, board chairman of the New York City Regional Emergency Medical Services Council, said that even those ambulance workers who had tested positive for the coronavirus were asked to work, unless they show symptoms. On Friday, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro urged the public to avoid calling 911, except in real emergencies.
