SOON: @MassGovernor is now scheduled to speak at 2:30 p.m. on the state's response to the #coronavirus pandemic. Watch live here: https://wbur.fm/2y3v90b 

Governor Charlie Baker begins with an update on the state's preparations for surge capacity. He says currently the state's #COVID19 command center, FEMA, MEMA and hospitals are all working together to estimate the surge impact based on the example of Wuhan, China.

However, he points out that the models from those projections are just that - models. The outbreak is estimated to peak sometime between today (April 10) and April 20. The current models suggest there will be 2,500 new confirmed cases a day. There were 2,100 new cases yesterday.

Baker says "at this time, we see evidence that we're still on the upward slope of this pandemic." 29% of yesterday's tests were positive. There were also 70 new fatalities yesterday. Currently the fatality rate is at 2.7%, but is growing.

The state's fatality rate remains below the national average. Hospitalizations are increasing, however, as we enter the surge. Baker says it is critically important for people to heed guidance on social distancing.

Today the Department of Public Health is issuing an advisory to wear a mask or face covering in public. People can still go for walks or runs but must avoid group activities.

Baker says the state has been in contact with hospitals on a daily basis to support ICU bed and acute bed needs. Projections indicate the state will need more staffed beds, which is why work to provide new care sites has been accelerated in recent weeks.

#COVID19 patients may require multi-day hospitalizations, but less intensive levels during recovery. Moving patients between ICU and acute care beds is a big part of the current plan. Between hospitals and field hospitals, there are 14,500 treatment beds available statewide.

Baker says 5 field hospitals will serve as alternative care sites for hospitals. For those who need less intensive care, the BCEC site opens today. The DCU Center also opened and Newton Pavilion began accepting patients this week.

Baker says patients should go to the nearest emergency room in an emergency. Otherwise, they should contact their healthcare providers. Telehealth is available to everybody and is the fastest way to engage in a conversation with a clinician.

The state is monitoring the impact of the virus in various regions and is tracking how many beds are still available across the state. There are options to transport patients if need be. Hospitals are reporting that 8,100 beds are occupied statewide (non-COVID patients included).

Baker says hospital capacity is manageable right now, but models predict large increases of hospitalizations in the coming weeks, meaning the Mass. healthcare system will be stretched like never before.

Right now, access to PPE remains a major challenge nationwide. The state has been aggressively pursuing every avenue to obtain enough supplies. There have been 1,100 deliveries of 2.6 million pieces of PPE to first responders since the outbreak began.

As hospital capacity grows, so does the need for healthcare workers to join the frontlines. The state is seeking additional skilled volunteers to support its response to the outbreak. More info at https://wbur.fm/2RspNCy 

Baker says this will be the first Easter he won't spend with his parents in 50 years. He says for those celebrating holidays this week, celebrate beating cruelty with love. Something we've all been doing the last few weeks, he adds.

Boston Medical Center's Kate Walsh is speaking. She says BMC's patients would be among the hardest hit during this crisis. A large proportion of patients live in multi-generational housing and some are homeless. BMC has canceled elective surgeries and set up a screening clinic.

Additionally, Boston Medical Center has expanded its bed capacity, transferred pediatric inpatients to a children's hospital and transferred some more stable ICU patients. Kate Walsh says this has allowed them flexibility to meet demand.

Walsh says this virus is hitting certain racial and ethnic groups harder. There is informational material being produced in 10 languages to promote social distancing.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders says Mass. will receive 200 more ventilators from federal stockpiles next week.