N.J. to open 500-bed field hospital in Edison amid coronavirus outbreak
The state is set to open its second field hospital, a larger one, as part of the effort to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.
TRENTON — New Jersey is set to open its second, but largest yet, field hospital as part of the effort to confront the COVID-19 outbreak.
Gov. Phil Murphy and other state and military officials were set Wednesday to tour the 500-bed facility in Edison at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center.
Another field hospital opened recently in Secaucus and has 250 beds.
The field hospitals are expected to serve only non-coronavirus patients, taking pressure off other facilities so they can address those with COVID-19, according to the governor.
Another facility is expected to open in Atlantic City, though it’s not clear when.
New Jersey is among the hardest-hit states in the country. More than 1,200 people have died so far, and 44,000 residents have tested positive, according to state health officials.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.