A health care corporation in the area says it is impacted by the nationwide shortage of protective gear because of the coronavirus.

Optimus Healthcare officials say they are in desperate need of masks, gowns, and gloves -- especially now that three acute care centers will open Monday for patients with potential coronavirus symptoms.

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Optimus is one of 17 health care center corporations across the state. Chief Medical Officer Katherine Golar says Connecticut health care centers serve 400,000 patients a year, located in underserved communities. They treat anyone, regardless of insurance.

But Golar says they can't treat them properly with only a week's worth of gear.

Starting Monday, anyone who goes to an Optimus center will have their temperature taken and will be sent to one of their acute care centers to be evaluated if they have a fever.

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