Number Quarantined For Coronavirus Down In Westchester: Officials

WHITE PLAINS, NY — The number of people in Westchester County under observation for symptoms of the new coronavirus is down, according to officials. County Executive George Latimer said at a press conference Wednesday there are still eight individuals in quarantine who are being monitored as to whether they will develop symptoms of the virus.

At the peak, so far, there were 26 people in quarantine in Westchester County. As of Tuesday, the number went down to four, but went up to eight Wednesday.

Latimer emphasized that there have been no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus, as it's official known, in either Westchester County or the state.

He said, however, that the county is preparing for what the worst case scenario might be.

"The task before each department in the county will be to look at contingency plans," Latimer said.

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"We are not taking this for granted," he said.

Sherlita Amler, M.D., the county health commissioner, said county residents should stay calm and pay attention to what the news is saying about the virus.

She said people should be reminded to wash their hands, stay home if sick, cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing and get a flu shot.

Amler said the county is continuing to participate in state and federal briefings and is in communication with local hospitals, health-care providers and emergency responders with updates.

On the state level, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday a $40 million emergency appropriation to support the state Department of Health staffing and equipment to respond to a potential new coronavirus pandemic.

He has also called for the federal government to approve emergency authorization for the Wadsworth center and the New York City Public Health Lab to test for the virus, which would allow for expanded testing capacity and expedited test results.

Cuomo said the state has independently worked to develop and validate a test using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol.

If approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Wadsworth can immediately begin testing to support New York and other states in the northeast region if necessary.

Cuomo said that his administration is not taking issue with how the federal government is handling issue right now.

Specifically, he and the health commissioner are relying on how federal officials have organized screening people coming into the country.

"I see no reason to second-guess them at this point," Cuomo said.

With additional reporting by Lanning Taliaferro/Patch.

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