COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

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thelivyjr
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Re: COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

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NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

"Statement from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker on Coronavirus Testing"


ALBANY, N.Y. (February 5, 2020) - "As of today, samples from 21 New Yorkers have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing for the novel coronavirus."

"Of those, 12 have come back negative."

"Four samples from New York City and five samples from New York State outside of New York City are pending, for nine total pending samples."

"There are still no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York State."

"While the risk to the general public is still low, we continue to urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant and take proper precautions to protect themselves and their families."


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, and check the Department's dedicated website which was created as a resource for New Yorkers.

Revised: February 2020

https://www.health.ny.gov/press/release ... tement.htm
thelivyjr
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Re: COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

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GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

February 7, 2020

Albany, NY

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on Novel Coronavirus and Urges Continued Awareness While Flu is Still Prevalent

* Still No Confirmed Cases of Novel Coronavirus in New York State

* Number of Laboratory-Confirmed Flu Cases and Hospitalizations Continue to Rise in Latest Report

* Find Locations Where You Can get the Flu Shot Near You Here, and Track Flu Cases in Your Area Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an update on the status of testing for the novel coronavirus in New York State.

As of today, samples from 22 New Yorkers have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing.

Of those, 16 have come back negative.

Two samples from New York City and four samples from New York State outside of New York City are pending, for six total pending samples.

There are still no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York State.

The Governor also issued updates on the number of flu cases, which continue to rise, and urged all New Yorkers to take recommended precautions as we approach the peak of flu season.

"While we do not have a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in the state, we are continuing to take every necessary precaution to protect New Yorkers from this dangerous virus," Governor Cuomo said.

"I also want to remind New Yorkers they are more likely to be exposed to the influenza virus than the coronavirus, and urge everyone to take commonsense precautions to protect against both, such as regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick."


The Department of Health is working closely with its partners at the federal, state and local level on this constantly evolving public health emergency.

Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the State to use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's diagnostic test, New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center is working to implement the coronavirus testing.

The Wadsworth Center, which has been at the forefront of numerous public health emergencies such as vaping-associated illnesses, SARS and synthetic cannabinoids, must complete the proper verification protocols before testing can begin.

The latest influenza surveillance report shows seasonal flu activity continues to increase across New York State with at least one lab-confirmed case in all 62 counties.

The number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases and hospitalizations continue to be widespread since the flu season began in October.


Flu season occurs primarily from October through May, and the 2019-20 season has yet to peak.

Last week 1,889 New Yorkers were hospitalized with lab-confirmed influenza.

This season, there have been 13,460 flu-related hospitalizations.

In addition, last week, 17,231 laboratory-confirmed flu cases were reported to the State Department of Health, a 15 percent increase in cases from the week prior.

The most lab-confirmed influenza cases reported during a single week in a flu season was 18,252 in 2017-18.

There has been a total of 89,597 lab-confirmed cases reported in New York State this season, with three flu-associated pediatric deaths.


Influenza activity data is available on the New York State Flu Tracker.

The Flu Tracker is a dashboard on the New York State Health Connector that provides timely information about local, regional and statewide influenza activity.

On January 3, the State Department of Health issued a statewide health advisory alerting healthcare providers to the dramatic increase in flu activity across New York State.

Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "While New York does not have a confirmed case of coronavirus, the flu is here and can be very serious."

"Taking simple preventive steps such as washing hands often, covering a cough or sneeze with your arm and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms will help prevent the spread of the flu."

"These same actions will help protect New Yorkers against the novel coronavirus."


The State Health Department recommends and urges that everyone six months of age or older receive an influenza vaccination.

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.

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.

In addition, the Department's dedicated website which was created as a resource for New Yorkers is constantly being updated.

The website now includes movement and monitoring guidelines for local health departments and a letter from the Department of Health and State Education Department offering guidance for schools.

Contact the Governor's Press Office

Contact us by phone:

Albany: (518) 474-8418

New York City: (212) 681 - 4640

Contact us by email:

Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/govern ... oronavirus

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/govern ... -while-flu
thelivyjr
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Re: COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

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GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

February 10, 2020

Albany, NY

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on Novel Coronavirus

* Still No Confirmed Cases of Novel Coronavirus in New York State

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced additional negative results for the novel coronavirus in New York State.

The New York State Department of Health just learned of another negative test result, which brings the statewide total of samples that have come back negative up to 22.


As of today, samples from 23 New Yorkers have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing.

Of those, 22 have come back negative.

One sample from New York City is still pending; there are no pending samples in New York State outside of New York City.

There are still no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York State.

"We are continuing to take every necessary precaution to protect New Yorkers from this virus," Governor Cuomo said.


"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 Department of Health is working closely with its partners at the federal, state and local level on this constantly evolving public health emergency.

Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the State to use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's diagnostic test, New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center is working to implement the coronavirus testing.

The Wadsworth Center, which has been at the forefront of numerous public health emergencies such as vaping-associated illnesses, SARS and synthetic cannabinoids, must complete the proper verification protocols before testing can begin.

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.

In addition, the Department has a dedicated website which was created as a resource with updated information for New Yorkers

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.

In addition, the Department has a dedicated website which was created as a resource with updated information for New Yorkers.

The Department has also launched two public service announcements (PSAs) on the novel coronavirus, one featuring State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker and another with general information, that are running statewide in multiple languages.

Contact the Governor's Press Office

Contact us by phone:

Albany: (518) 474-8418

New York City: (212) 681 - 4640

Contact us by email:

Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/govern ... oronavirus
thelivyjr
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Re: COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

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GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

February 13, 2020

Albany, NY

Governor Cuomo Reminds New Yorkers That Flu Cases Continue to Increase, as Flu Season Expected to Set Record-High Levels

* State Sees Second Highest Weekly Flu Cases in Last 20 Years as Flu Season Still Has Not Peaked

* 11th Consecutive Week Flu Has Been Reported Widespread in New York State

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today reminded all New Yorkers to take recommended precautions to protect themselves from the flu as new numbers released today show flu activity still has not reached its peak this season.

Flu cases in New York this season are expected to set record-high levels since the New York State Department of Health began tracking flu cases during the 1998-99 season.

"As flu season has not yet peaked across New York, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and take simple precautions to protect themselves and their families," Governor Cuomo said.


"I encourage all New Yorkers older than six months to get their flu shot - it's not too late."

The latest influenza surveillance report for the week ending February 8th shows seasonal flu activity continues to be widespread across New York State for the eleventh consecutive week.

As indicated in the report, there were 17,233 laboratory-confirmed flu cases reported to the State Department of Health, the second highest weekly total since the 1998-1999 flu season.

The most lab-confirmed influenza cases reported during a single week in a flu season was 18,252 in 2017-18.

There have been a total of 106,824 lab-confirmed cases reported in New York State this season, with three flu-associated pediatric deaths.

Last week, 1,993 New Yorkers were hospitalized with lab-confirmed influenza.

So far this season, there have been 15,541 flu-related hospitalizations.


Influenza activity data is available on the New York State Flu Tracker.

The Flu Tracker is a dashboard on the New York State Health Connector that provides timely information about local, regional and statewide influenza activity.

Flu season occurs primarily from October through May, and the 2019-20 season has yet to peak.

Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "While flu activity is higher than usual this season and it has not yet peaked, taking basic preventive steps such as washing hands often, covering a cough or sneeze with your arm, and staying home when experiencing flu-like symptoms, will help prevent the spread of the flu."

On January 3, the State Department of Health issued a statewide health advisory alerting healthcare providers to the dramatic increase in flu activity across New York State.


The State Health Department recommends and urges that everyone six months of age or older receive an influenza vaccination.

In addition, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of flu 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.

For additional information about influenza in New York State, visit the Department of Health web page.

Contact the Governor's Press Office

Contact us by phone:

Albany: (518) 474-8418

New York City: (212) 681-4640

Contact us by email:

Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/govern ... set-record
thelivyjr
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Re: COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

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NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

New York State Department of Health Announces Number of Flu Cases Declining, Yet Three New Pediatric Flu Deaths Reported This Week


* 17% Decrease in Lab-Confirmed Flu Cases and 23% Decrease in Hospitalizations Since Last Week

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 20, 2020) - New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker today announced that for the first time since flu was categorized as widespread across New York State in December, the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases has decreased 17 percent.

Last week, 14,270 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases were reported to the state Department of Health.

The number of weekly hospitalizations decreased 23 percent with 1,571 New Yorkers hospitalized for lab confirmed influenza.

Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Even though the number of flu cases has declined, sadly, we experienced three flu-associated pediatric deaths this week and flu activity is still widespread in New York State."

"People should continue to remain vigilant by getting vaccinated and take other preventive steps to avoid getting the flu."

The latest influenza surveillance report for the week ending February 15 shows seasonal flu activity continues to be widespread across New York State for the 12th consecutive week.

As indicated in the report, there were three new influenza-associated pediatric deaths, for a total of six influenza-associated pediatric flu deaths this season.

To protect patient privacy, the Department can only confirm that one pediatric death occurred in a New York City resident and the other five pediatric deaths were in other regions of New York State.

The most lab-confirmed influenza cases reported during a single flu season was 128,892 in 2017-18.

There have been a total of 121,088 lab-confirmed cases reported in New York State this season.


Flu season occurs primarily from October through May.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conduct studies each year to determine how effective each year's vaccine is at protecting against influenza.

CDC preliminary vaccine effectiveness estimates indicate that the 2019-20 flu vaccine is providing substantial protective benefit this season.

Flu vaccines are reducing doctor visits associated with flu illness by 45 percent overall and 55 percent in children.

This is consistent with estimates of flu vaccine effectiveness from previous seasons that ranged from 40 – 60 percent.

Influenza activity data is available on the New York State Flu Tracker.

The Flu Tracker is a dashboard on the New York State Health Connector that provides timely information about local, regional and statewide influenza activity.

The State Health Department recommends and urges that everyone six months of age or older receive an influenza vaccination.

It is especially important that children six months – eight years-old who have gotten less than two doses of flu vaccine in their lifetime receive two doses of flu vaccine spaced at least four weeks apart for best protection against flu this season.

In addition, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of flu 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.

For additional information about influenza in New York State, visit the Department of Health web page.

Revised: February 2020

https://www.health.ny.gov/press/release ... lining.htm
thelivyjr
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Re: COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

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GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

February 26, 2020

Albany, NY

Governor Cuomo Announces $40 Million Emergency Appropriation to Support DOH Staffing and Equipment to Respond to Potential Novel Coronavirus Pandemic

* Governor Will Propose Legislation to Grant Authority to DOH Commissioner to Ensure Appropriate Response Measures by Local Health Departments and Public and Private Hospitals Statewide

* DOH Will Convene Conferences with Local Health Departments and Hospitals Statewide to Review Protocols, Best Practices and Procedures

* Calls for Federal Government to Approve Emergency Authorization for Wadsworth and NYC Public Health Lab to Test for Virus, Allowing State to Expedite Process and Get Quicker Results

* DOH Will Work with MTA, Port Authority and its Airport Operators, and the Authorities' Respective Workforces to Ensure Workers Have Training and Access to Supplies They Need to Continue to Operate Mass Transit Systems and Airports

* Still No Confirmed Cases of Novel Coronavirus in New York State

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a $40 million appropriation for the New York State Department of Health to hire additional staff, procure equipment and any other resources necessary to respond to the potential novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Governor will also propose legislation to grant authority to DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker to ensure local health departments and public and private hospitals statewide take certain actions and measures in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak as needed.


DOH will convene local health departments and hospitals statewide to review protocols, best practices and procedures to help ensure they are prepared to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Governor is also calling on the federal government to authorize the Wadsworth Center and NYC Public Health Lab to test for the virus, allowing for expanded testing capacity and expedited test results.

New York State has independently worked to develop and validate a test using the CDC protocol.

Upon FDA approval, Wadsworth can immediately begin testing to support New York State and other states in the northeast region if necessary.

Additionally, DOH will work with the MTA, Port Authority and its airport operators, and the authorities' respective workforces to ensure workers have the necessary training and access to supplies, including cleaning and protective equipment, they need to continue to operate mass transit systems and airports.

The State is also coordinating with all state agencies to help ensure they are prepared to respond to the potential novel coronavirus pandemic.

"As we are seeing the novel coronavirus spread to new countries around the world, in New York we are continuing to take all necessary precautions to protect New Yorkers from this dangerous virus," Governor Cuomo said.

"While there are still no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York, these aggressive actions including $40 million in emergency funding will help ensure our healthcare system is equipped with the necessary staff, supplies and equipment needed to respond to any emergency situation that may arise in the future."


As of today, samples from 27 New Yorkers have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing, 26 have come back negative with one result still pending.

There are still no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York State.

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.

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.

In addition, the Department has a dedicated website which was created as a resource with updated information for New Yorkers.

The Department has also launched two public service announcements (PSAs) on the novel coronavirus, one featuring State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker and another with general information, that are running statewide in multiple languages.

Contact the Governor's Press Office

Contact us by phone:

Albany: (518) 474-8418

New York City: (212) 681-4640

Contact us by email:

Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/govern ... -equipment
thelivyjr
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Re: COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

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GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

February 27, 2020

Albany, NY

Governor Cuomo Announces Record-Breaking Total Number of Flu Cases in New York Even as Number of Flu Cases Decline for Second Week

* A Record 131,604 Lab-Confirmed Flu Cases Reported This Season

* 26% Decrease in Lab-Confirmed Flu Cases and 13% Decrease in Hospitalizations Since Last Week

* Three New Pediatric Flu Deaths Reported this Week

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the total number of flu cases in New York State has eclipsed the record number of seasonal cases since the New York State Department of Health began tracking flu cases during the 1998-99 season.

The latest influenza surveillance report for the week ending February 22 shows 131,604 laboratory-confirmed cases so far this season.

Previously, the most lab-confirmed influenza cases reported during a single flu season was 128,892 in 2017-18.


While this year's flu season has reached historic levels, last week, the number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases decreased 26 percent and hospitalizations decreased 13 percent.

"While I am encouraged to see yet another decrease in the number of flu cases across the state, this year's flu season has been grueling and New Yorkers must remain vigilant against the spread of the virus," Governor Cuomo said.

"If you haven't already been vaccinated it's not too late."

"I urge you to get a vaccine and to please stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading the illness."

Although seasonal flu activity continues to be widespread across New York State, for the second consecutive week, the number of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and hospitalizations decreased.

Last week, 10,520 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza have been reported and 1,454 people have been hospitalized with influenza.

As indicated in the influenza surveillance report, there were three new influenza-associated pediatric deaths, for a total of nine influenza-associated pediatric deaths this season.

Two of the new three influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurred in NYC while the other was a resident of the North Country region.

Flu season occurs primarily from October through May.

Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Even though this year's flu season has been record-setting, we have seen a decline in the number of laboratory-confirmed cases and the number of hospitalizations for the second consecutive week."

"While these numbers are encouraging, unfortunately, we endured three tragic flu-associated pediatric deaths this week."

"I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant and take the appropriate steps to help stop the spread of the flu."


Influenza activity data is available on the New York State Flu Tracker.

The Flu Tracker is a dashboard on the New York State Health Connector that provides timely information about local, regional and statewide influenza activity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conduct studies each year to determine how effective each year's vaccine is at protecting against influenza.

CDC preliminary vaccine effectiveness estimates indicate that the 2019-20 flu vaccine is providing substantial protective benefit this season.

Flu vaccines are reducing doctor visits associated with flu illness by 45 percent overall and 55 percent in children.

This is consistent with estimates of flu vaccine effectiveness from previous seasons that ranged from 40 - 60 percent.

The State Health Department recommends and urges that everyone six months of age or older receive an influenza vaccination.

It is especially important that children six months - eight years-old who have gotten less than two doses of flu vaccine in their lifetime receive two doses of flu vaccine spaced at least four weeks apart for best protection against flu this season.

In addition, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of flu 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.

Contact the Governor's Press Office

Contact us by phone:

Albany: (518) 474-8418

New York City: (212) 681-4640

Contact us by email:

Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/govern ... -flu-cases
thelivyjr
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Re: COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

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GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

February 29, 2020

Albany, NY

Statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Coronavirus

"When I spoke to Vice President Pence, I urged him to approve New York State's Coronavirus test — we just received word that our test has been approved by the FDA."

"New York State will begin testing immediately at Wadsworth Lab."

"This approval will expedite wait time and improve New York's ability to more effectively manage the Coronavirus situation as it unfolds. "

Contact the Governor's Press Office

Contact us by phone:

Albany: (518) 474-8418

New York City: (212) 681-4640

Contact us by email:

Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statem ... oronavirus
thelivyjr
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Re: COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

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GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

March 1, 2020

Albany, NY

Governor Cuomo Issues Statement Regarding Novel Coronavirus in New York

"This evening we learned of the first positive case of novel coronavirus — or COVID-19 — in New York State."

"The patient, a woman in her late thirties, contracted the virus while traveling abroad in Iran, and is currently isolated in her home."

"The patient has respiratory symptoms, but is not in serious condition and has been in a controlled situation since arriving to New York."

"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."

"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."

"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."


Contact the Governor's Press Office

Contact us by phone:

Albany: (518) 474-8418

New York City: (212) 681-4640

Contact us by email:

Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/govern ... s-new-york
thelivyjr
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Re: COVID RESPONSE IN NEW YORK STATE

Post by thelivyjr »

GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO

March 2, 2020

Albany, NY

At Novel Coronavirus Briefing, Governor Cuomo Announces State is Partnering with Hospitals to Expand Novel Coronavirus Testing Capacity in New York

* Governor Announces Goal for State to Be Able to Test Up to 1,000 Tests Per Day Statewide

* State Will Institute New Cleaning Protocols at Schools and in Public Transportation Systems to Help Stop Any Potential Spread of the Virus

* Follows FDA Approval of the New York State Wadsworth Center's Test for COVID-19 - the First Non-CDC Test Approved by the FDA

* Governor Cuomo: "This isn't our first rodeo - we are fully coordinated, and we are fully mobilized, and we are fully prepared to deal with the situation as it develops."

During a briefing on the novel Coronavirus at his office in midtown Manhattan, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the world-renowned Wadsworth Center — the research-intensive public health laboratory housed within the State Department of Health — is partnering with hospitals to expand surge testing capacity to 1,000 tests per day statewide for the novel coronavirus.

The Wadsworth Center will provide these hospitals with instructions on how to replicate the State's test, as well as help them purchase some of the equipment necessary to develop and validate the test.

The Governor also announced the state will institute a new cleaning protocol at schools and in the public transportation system to help stop any potential spread of the virus.

This announcement follows the Food and Drug Administration's approval for the Wadsworth Center to begin tests for the novel Coronavirus — the first non-CDC test that has been given approval by the FDA.

The first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus in New York, a woman in her thirties, as done through the State's Wadsworth testing lab.

"We have the best health-care system in the world, and we are leveraging that system to help contain any potential spread of the novel coronavirus in New York," Governor Cuomo said.

"We will expand testing so we can do 1,000 tests per day thanks to the State's world-renowned Wadsworth Lab in partnership with hospitals."

"And we are instituting a new cleaning protocol at our schools, in our public transportation, and elsewhere to contain any potential spread."

"This isn't our first rodeo - we are fully coordinated, we are fully mobilized, and we are fully prepared to deal with the situation as it develops."

Last week the Governor announced he is requesting a $40 million appropriation for the New York State Department of Health to hire additional staff, procure equipment and any other resources necessary to respond to the potential novel coronavirus pandemic.

The Governor will also propose legislation to clarify authority for governor to take certain statewide actions and measures in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak as needed.

DOH is ALSO convening local health departments and hospitals statewide to review protocols, best practices and procedures to help ensure they are prepared to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

On Saturday, New York State received notification that the FDA approved Wadsworth lab's Emergency Use Application — EUA — request to begin novel coronavirus testing using the test that the State developed and validated at the Wadsworth Center.

This test will allow the State to perform testing more rapidly than sending to the CDC and to respond expeditiously when and if there is a positive case to better protect the public health of New Yorkers.

Upon receipt of lab specimens, the Wadsworth Center can complete testing within three to five hours.

The Wadsworth Center began testing on Saturday evening.

Wadsworth's current testing capacity is as many as 200 tests per day, and the State Department of Health will work to expand capacity through expanded lab hours and the hiring additional staff.

The approval comes at a critical time as the CDC and the DOH have expanded testing criteria to include travel from other countries - specifically Italy, South Korea and Iran - and others without travel history where individuals are hospitalized with respiratory symptoms with no other explanation.

So far, Wadsworth Center has received samples from 4 New Yorkers for testing: 2 came back negative; 1 came back positive; and 1 is still pending.

Previously, samples from 28 New Yorkers were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing, all 28 came back negative.

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.

New Yorkers can call the State hotline at 1-888-364-3065, where experts can answer questions regarding the novel coronavirus.

In addition, the Department has a dedicated website which was created as a resource with updated information for New Yorkers.

The Department has also launched two public service announcements on the novel coronavirus, one featuring State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker and another with general information, that are running statewide in multiple languages.

Contact the Governor's Press Office

Contact us by phone:

Albany: (518) 474-8418

New York City: (212) 681-4640

Contact us by email:

Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/novel- ... pand-novel
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