The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday confirmed another person was found to be infected with COVID-19 in the United States. However, based on updated information from State Health officials, there are still no confirmed cases in New York.
According to the New York State Department of Health, which has created a dedicated page for news and updates on potential infections in the state, 25 New Yorkers were, or are currently, considered “persons under investigation” and have been tested by the CDC.
Of those 25 cases, 23 have come back negative and the results are still pending on two cases. Seventeen people outside of New York City, and 6 living in New York City, have been tested and have all shown negative results. Officials are still awaiting results on two people outside of New York City.
“We are continuing to take every necessary precaution to protect New Yorkers from this virus,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Monday. “While there are still no confirmed cases of the virus in New York state, I urge everyone to continue to take commonsense precautions, such as regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized New York to use the CDC’s diagnostic test, the Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center in Albany is working quickly to implement the coronavirus testing.
While there is currently no vaccine for the novel coronavirus, Gov. Cuomo, State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker and others are encouraging the following preventative measures:
- Washing 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.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Staying home when you are sick.
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Cleaning and disinfecting 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 health care provider before presenting for treatment.
New Yorkers can call the State hotline at 1-888-364-3065, where experts from the Department of Health can answer questions regarding the novel coronavirus.
