NY's Health Commissioner Tests Positive For COVID-19

NEW YORK CITY — The doctor spearheading New York's efforts to fight the pandemic tested positive for COVID-19.

Mary Bassett, the state's health commissioner, received a positive result on a rapid test shortly before meeting Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Hochul announced the positive test during a Monday news conference in which Bassett was scheduled to attend.

"Everyone that sees me is tested, or all the team that comes through here is tested every day," Hochul said. "We follow strict protocols. She's being having another PCR test just to confirm that, so in the meantime we're going to take all the necessary precautions."

Bassett had previously served as New York City's health commissioner.

The briefing held by Hochul comes amid four straight days of record-breaking COVID-19 case levels and growing concern that the omicron variant is fueling the surge.

Hochul and Kathryn Garcia, her director of state operations, outlined plans to get 10 million at-home tests to New Yorkers, of which 1.6 million will go to New York City.

Related coverage:

Omicron Will Get Worse In NYC In Coming Weeks, De Blasio Warns