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- New update: Son Of Westchester COVID-19 Patient Becomes Third Confirmed NY Case
- Click here for an updated story: Man Who Tested Positive For Coronavirus ID'd As Attorney Who Works In NYC
The man, who is in his 50s, is now hospitalized, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday morning, March 3.
The man, now identified as an attorney who lives in New Rochelle and works in Manhattan, has an underlying respiratory illness, Cuomo said.
He recently traveled to Miami, but no direct connection to China or any country on the virus watch list has been established, making it an apparent case of "community spread" COVID-19, Cuomo said.
"That kind of spreading is inevitable," Cuomo said at a press conference.
The Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy school in Riverdale, where one of the New Rochelle man's children attends, is closed on Tuesday, Cuomo said.
"There may be some more schools that voluntarily close as they determine if children may have exposed other children," Cuomo said.
On Sunday evening, March 1, a 39-year-old Manhattan woman who is employed as a healthcare worker, had been confirmed as New York's first vase.
The woman contracted the virus while traveling abroad in Iran, and is currently isolated in her home, along with her husband.
"Her symptoms are mild," Cuomo said.
Her condition is not life-threatening and she has self-quarantined at her Manhattan home since returning from Iran, authorities said.
"Last week I called for the Legislature to pass a $40 million emergency management authorization to confront this evolving situation -- I look forward to its swift passage," Cuomo said.
Cuomo noted that about 80 percent of those who contract the novel coronavirus will self-resolve.
"They may not even know they had the illness," Cuomo said.
"There is no reason for undue anxiety -- the general risk remains low in New York. We are diligently managing this situation and will continue to provide information as it becomes available," Cuomo added.
According to the Health Department, while there is currently no vaccine for the novel coronavirus, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Stay home when you are sick;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces;
- Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment.
For more info on the coronavirus, check the Centers for Disease Control page here.
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