Coronavirus: State Establishes Emergency Center In New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Shortly after the announcement that the number of new coronavirus cases in New York jumped from 44 on Friday to 76 on Saturday — and that the number in Westchester County alone increased by 23 to 57 — state authorities established an emergency operations center in New Rochelle.

They are also ramping up staff and supplies in order to monitor and test for the virus, which is officially called COVID-19, a news flash from the City of New Rochelle said.

Also, at the state's direction, nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the area will not be permitted to accept visitors until further notice. The move is designed to safeguard vulnerable senior residents, the news flash said.

New Rochelle is at the center of the outbreak of the new coronavirus. Earlier this week a 50-year-old New Rochelle man was diagnosed and hospitalized with the disease. Members of his family, friends and a neighbor and others in area have also been confirmed to have the new coronavirus.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the 23 new Westchester County cases are all related to the 50-year-old man who was the second confirmed case in the state. There have been no deaths in the state related to coronavirus.

Follow all the coronavirus updates in New York. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson said the emergency operations center will be staffed entirely by state and county officials. The city government has no operational role, he said.

"Most people who contract coronavirus will recover without difficulty, but for the elderly and for those with pre-existing medical issues, the virus poses a much more serious threat," Bramson said.

"Limiting exposure within nursing homes and assisted living facilities is, therefore, an appropriate and prudent step to protect our most vulnerable residents," he said, "and I support the governor's action."

The new numbers announced Saturday saw New York City with 11 confirmed cases, up from seven, and Westchester at 57, up from 23. Nassau County in Long Island remains at four, Rockland County has two and Saratoga County has two new cases.

SEE ALSO:

• 11 New Coronavirus Cases In New York, All Westchester-Connected
• Positive Coronavirus Test For Scarsdale Youth Hockey Assn. Player
• New Rochelle Rabbi Tests Positive For Coronavirus
• New Rochelle Schools Release Coronavirus Plan
• Coronavirus: Expert Offers Common-Sense Reasons Not To Panic