Hospital websites show well-equipped health staff tackling the outbreak. But on social media, workers have been pleading for more support and sharing far grimmer images. Melissa De Rosa, Governor Andrew Cuomo's second-in-command, said she's spoken with several hospital

"They continue to assure us they have what they need at the moment," she said, "and we've assured them we'll get them what they need immediately."

A spokeswoman for the nurses union blamed hospital management for the shortages. Cuomo said the state needs much more gear — including ventilators — from the federal government and other sources … to meet the growing demand.