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Connecticut's 2nd field hospital set up in Danbury as state prepares for rise in virus patients

Danbury is home to Connecticut's second field hospital being used to prepare for a rise in coronavirus patients.

The National Guard helped to set up the facility that staff say can be turned into a triage area if needed.
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The field hospital was constructed in case Danbury Hospital becomes overwhelmed with patients. Officials say the hospital is currently not at capacity.

"The story here is we have this asset--it's at the ready and we are going to make good use of it," says Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.

Bysiewicz says more than 400 vendors that sell personal protective equipment (PPE) are generously donating to the cause.

She also says more ventilators are expected to arrive this weekend. Danbury Hospital currently has more than 70 and Connecticut has about 900.

The first field hospital was built in Hartford. It takes about two days to build and has about 25 beds.

If the field hospital in Danbury has to be used, medical professionals will follow the same infection control protocols as other hospitals in the area.
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