POUGHKEEPSIE – The state is continuing to prepare for what is anticipated to be a surge in coronavirus hospitalizations and in Dutchess County, the community college is offering two of its buildings as recovery facilities for additional care capacity.
Conklin Hall dormitory has 276 rooms and 457 beds on four floors. Falcon Hall Gymnasium is also available for additional beds if needed.
The college buildings would be staffed by healthcare professionals, non-healthcare professions, and volunteers.
County Executive Marcus Molinaro said the county is working with Nuvance Health and MidHudson Regional Hospital to provide the remote healthcare facilities.
“The fact is, as testing increases, the number of identified positive cases of COVID-19 will likely increase exponentially,” said County Health Commissioner Dr. Anil Vaidian. “If we continue on that trajectory, we’re going to need additional facilities to be ready and available.”
DCC President Dr. Pamela Edington said the school stands “ready, willing and able to help in whatever way possible during the public health crisis. Making Conklin Hall available for additional care capacity will ensure our community is prepared for the potential influx of hospitalizations.”
Governor Cuomo has said that statewide when the virus peaks, it will need 170,000 beds with only 110,000 available.
