Some hospitals in New York City have begun safeguarding their stockpiles of masks and other protective gear amid suspicions that employees were taking them home, according o an article on The New York Times website.
Administrators at one hospital are allowing pregnant employees to opt out of caring for anyone thought to have the new coronavirus.
Although no one in New York has tested positive for the virus, doctors and public health officials have been bracing for the possibility.
New York State officials say they are ready, with a huge store of supplies hidden in three locations around the state, including a soaring, temperature-controlled warehouse near Albany.