Don Murray, Getty Images
More than four dozen ventilators from California are scheduled to arrive in Lansing Wednesday, as a loan from California Gov. Gavin Newsom to aid Michigan in its COVID-19 response.
California, an early adopter of restrictive policies to fight the disease’s spread, has had signs that it’s bent the curve. The state also has sent ventilators to other states and territories, including Nevada, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.
“From the beginning, Governor Newsom has taken swift and aggressive action to protect California families from the spread of COVID-19,” Whitmer said in a statement Wednesday. “He understands that when it comes to fighting this virus, we are all on the same team, and must work together to protect as many people we can.”
The loan comes as President Donald Trump continues his slow response to states’ requests for more ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE). Trump has also lashed out at more vocal governors, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who have publicly criticized his administration for a lack of federal support.
The inadequate amount of medical equipment that the federal government has provided in past weeks has forced states to compete with each other for supplies, although Michigan is in a better place now thanks to millions of donations from individuals and businesses around the state.
I am incredibly grateful that @CAgovernor sent Michigan 50 ventilators on loan from the State of California inventory that will arrive in Lansing today. These ventilators will save lives and help our health care system treat more COVID-19 patients here in Michigan. pic.twitter.com/V2JceFpbzm
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April 15, 2020
According to the most recent statewide data provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the state counted 1,719 available ventilators Tuesday night. There are currently 1,212 people on ventilators in Michigan.
The number of COVID-19 cases overall in the state surpassed 28,000 on Wednesday, with over 1,920 deaths.
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