It’s official, WPIX 11 reports New York has recorded its first confirmed case of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

The announcement was made Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sunday.

According to the report: “The woman, who is in her 30s and lives in Manhattan, contracted the virus while in Iran, officials said. She’s currently isolated in her home. She is not in serious condition, but does have respiratory symptoms.”

The Governor said: “The positive test was confirmed by New York’s Wadsworth Lab in Albany, underscoring the importance of the ability for our state to ensure efficient and rapid turnaround, and is exactly why I advocated for the approval from Vice President Pence that New York was granted just yesterday.

“There is no cause for surprise — this was expected. As I said from the beginning, it was a matter of when, not if there would be a positive case of novel coronavirus in New York,” he added.

But he said the general risk remains low in New York.

Meanwhile, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city is fully prepared to respond to coronavirus cases.

“From the beginning, we have said it was a matter of when, not if, there would be a positive case of coronavirus in New York,” he tweeted. “We will continue to ensure New Yorkers have the facts and resources they need to protect themselves.”

Health Commissioner Dr Oxiris Barbot also agreed that the city was prepared.

“Our disease detectives have already identified close contacts of the patient, who may have been exposed, and will take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” she said.
“Despite this development, New Yorkers remain at low risk for contracting COVID-19. As we confront this emerging outbreak, we need to separate facts from fear, and guard against stigma and panic.”

More than 88,000 worldwide have been infected and the death toll worldwide has reached at least 3,000.

For those who feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and travelled to areas experiencing coronavirus outbreaks or came into contact with someone with COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:

  • Seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about recent travel and symptoms.
  • Avoid contact with others.
  • Do not travel while sick.
  • Cover mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

For more information about the coronavirus, visit the Health Department website.

  • Top Feature Photo: New York Times –