3 Possible Coronavirus Cases In Isolation In New York

The New York State Department of Health has three people under investigation and in isolation to see if they have the novel coronavirus, state officials announced Friday.

Their cases are being tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which announced there were two confirmed cases in the United States — in Washington state and in Chicago.

A fourth possible New York case has been proved negative, health officials said.

While the risk is currently low, Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for increased vigilance to ensure New Yorkers are protected.

New York City officials conducted a drill Friday morning as news broke that the dangerous virus, which has claimed at least 26 lives, had spread from Wuhan, China, to a woman in Chicago after being found earlier this week in a patient in Washington state. Mayor Bill de Blasio said, "We have to act on the assumption that there will, unfortunately, be cases sooner rather than later in New York City."

On Friday, state health officials hosted a webinar for medical professionals at colleges and universities — many of which host international students — to disseminate information about the virus, infection control recommendations and the current criteria for testing.

Last week, the state Department of Health issued guidance to health care providers, health care facilities, clinical laboratories and local health departments to provide updated information about the outbreak. It also sought to ensure that the proper protocols are in place if a patient is experiencing symptoms consistent with the novel coronavirus, had a travel history to Wuhan, China, or had come in contact with someone who was under investigation for the virus. Also, the department hosted a series of informational webinars for hospitals and local health care providers.

"This virus is being carefully monitored at federal, state and city levels to ensure the public's health and safety, and while awareness is important, the current risk to New Yorkers is low," New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said Friday. "People who have traveled abroad recently and have symptoms that mimic the flu should see their doctor. We are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control to receive daily updates and stand ready to assist."

Symptoms of the novel coronavirus may include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• A general feeling of being unwell.

Anyone experiencing symptoms who had traveled to areas of concern, or been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their health care provider before arriving for treatment.

Last week, the CDC led an airport entry screening program at John F. Kennedy International Airport for passengers arriving from Wuhan, China. Chinese officials have since closed transport in and out of Wuhan and other cities in the province, including their international airports.

State health officials said they and Port Authority and the New York City Health Department will continue to work with CDC as their travel screening process evolves. To date, no passenger has required further evaluation as a result of the CDC-led passenger program at JFK.

To raise further awareness for all international travel, Cuomo directed the Port Authority to post informational signs at all four Port Authority international airports.

The CDC recommends that people avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China, but it has provided specific information for those who are still planning a trip to Wuhan and for people who recently returned from that city and may be experiencing the above symptoms. While there is currently no vaccine for this novel coronavirus, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including:

• 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.

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Kathleen Culliton, Patch Staff, contributed to this report.