Arizona still has nearly 1,000 ICU beds and nearly 3,000 regular beds available, according to data on the Arizona Department of Health Services website on April 13, 2020.
On March 26, Gov. Doug Ducey issued an executive order directing hospitals to increase their capacity by 25% by April 10. State officials did not respond to multiple questions about whether or not the deadline was met. A spokesperson for the Arizona Hospital Association referred questions to the state. In a written statement, Banner said all of its hospitals met the deadline.
If more beds are needed, the state is prepared to reopen St. Luke’s hospital in Phoenix. The Army Corps of Engineers also has identified facilities in Tucson that could be converted into emergency hospitals if the need arises.
In recent weeks, the Army Corps has awarded nearly 25 contracts across the country to convert sports arenas and hotels to care facilities.
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