DFFICE 0F LIEUTENANT GDVERNUR
ALABAMA STATE I-IDUSE
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To: Members of the Alabama CDVID- 1 a Task Force

From: Lieutenant lIiirovernor Will Ainsworth

Date: March 25. 2020

Re: Current needs and concerns in Alabama?sCOVIIJ-l El Response

It is important to begin this memo by thanking Gov. Ivey for assembling this task force and
populating it with many of the best minds Alabama has to offer in responding to the 
pandemic within our state's borders.

State Health Of?cer Dr. Scott Harris commendation. as well. for his [Torts to cd ucatc
the public about the need for social distancing and remaining isolated as much as possible. There
is no doubt that Alabama is in a better position today because of the efforts made by Dr. Harris
and the ADPH team.

Unfortunately for Alabama and the nation. it is now believed most states have had community
transmission for longer than originally thought. and most experts believe we have substantially
more cases than are being reported due to lack of testing.

In my opinion. and those of many experts I have consulted. Alabama?s biggest hurdles in the
coming months will he a lack of hospital capacity and a dramatic shortage of personal protective
equipment. known commonly within the medical community as FPE. Those needs and my deep
concerns have prompted me to write this memo-

A tsunami of hospital patients is likely to fall upon Alabama in the not too distant future. and it is
my opinion that this task force and the state are not taking a realistic view of the numbers or
adequately preparing for what awaits us. Every health specialist with whom I have spoken is
anxious about surge capacity and has expressed doubts about our preparations.

During our call on Monday. March 23. I inquired about our state plan for expanding hospital
capacity and increasing PPE availability, and I followed up with Chief of Staff Jo Bonner after
the call to stress the urgency and discuss the steps that other states are taking. I also informed
him of my intention to help seek solutions for these needs.

Since Monday. I have spoken with officials at both UAB Hospital and Huntsville Hospital and
had several discussions with Dr. Don Williamson. the former state public health of?cer and
current president and CED ofthc Alabama Hospital Association. and his staff. I asked Dr.
Williamson to put together a comprehensive statewide plan. which he is currently compiling.