Pennsylvania hospitals will receive strike teams to relieve hospital capacity strain in areas hit hardest by the latest COVID-19 surge. This comes after Gov. Tom Wolf requested support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency are actively working with FEMA, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense to identify available resources. While the department is working with federal partners, strike team placements will be determined by the federal government.
“The federal government has responded to Gov. Wolf’s request for additional support for Pennsylvania’s healthcare system and we are now meeting with them daily to finalize support plans,” said Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter. “At this time, we do know that strike teams will be sent to the commonwealth and are working with our federal partners to identify and confirm exact locations and any additional resources.”
“Any federal assistance will help relieve some pressure on the health system so there is capacity to treat people who need hospital care,” added PEMA Director Randy Padfield.
