VA opens up beds for non-veterans in NYC amid coronavirus outbreak

The Department of Veterans Affairs on Sunday announced that it will make 50 hospital beds available for non-veteran, non-coronavirus patients in New York City as the hard-hit region's medical facilities grapple with the health crisis.

The help comes in response to a request from FEMA, according to a notice the VA posted on its website.

"The transfer of five non-COVID patients from community hospitals to VA New York Harbor Healthcare System’s Manhattan and Brooklyn campuses is underway, and both campuses continue to receive Veteran patients," the notice said.

The move will not negatively impinge on the care veterans receive, the VA said. 

“VA is proud to assist the City of New York while continuing its primary mission of caring for our Nation’s Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.

As of 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning, there had been 678 COVID-19- related deaths in New York City.