It's not just testing kits that places like Wuhan are short of. Authorities there have asked for more supplies, and announced they would build two new hospitals in a week to increase the city's capacity to fight the outbreak.
According to a nurse in Wuhan who asked not to be identified for fear of professional repercussions, staff are overwhelmed, resources are running low, and there are no beds. There are so few hazmat suits that staff disinfect them at the end of their shift to wear again the next day, she said. Around 30 of the 500 medical staff at her hospital are now sick and admitted to hospital, and others -- including her -- have self-quarantined at home.
"There really are a lot of people who can't get admitted, but there's no point in blaming the nurses. There are no beds, no resources. Are we supposed to just fight this battle bare-handed?" she said. "Right now, loads of medical staff are at breaking point ... I see my sisters charging toward the front line and I feel so powerless."
