Photo: New York-Presbyterian Queens
Feb. 3, 2020 By Allie Griffin
Two people are being tested for novel coronavirus at two Flushing hospitals, health officials announced Sunday night.
Both individuals, who are over 60-years-old, had recently been to China — the epicenter of the outbreak that began in December — and presented symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath.
They are the second and third people under investigation for novel coronavirus in New York City. City officials confirmed the first suspected case on Saturday — that patient is being treated at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.
The two new cases have been hospitalized at Flushing Hospital Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Queens respectively. Both are in stable condition, city officials said.
The City has sent samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be tested for novel coronavirus. Testing to determine whether either has novel coronavirus will take a minimum of 36 to 48 hours., depending on CDC testing capacity.
The City Health Department has not yet received results of the Bellevue Hospital patient’s CDC test, but the patient has remained in stable condition, city health officials said.
There are now 11 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in the U.S. and more than 14,000 worldwide. At least 360 people have died from the virus, which has symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath.
While there have been deaths, most patients have had milder symptoms and have been discharged after treatment.
Health officials have stressed that cases under investigation should not be presumed as likely to be confirmed.
“We are continuing to work closely with our partners at the CDC, State and federal government as the coronavirus situation evolves,” Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot said. “If you have traveled to the area affected by the outbreak in the last 14 days and feel unwell, call your doctor or visit a clinic, and you will be cared for.”
Health officials have urged people to practice everyday precautions as needed during flu season, including frequent hand washing and covering their mouth and nose when sneezing.
“With the best public health system in the world, New York City stands ready to respond to any confirmed cases of the coronavirus,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said. “I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant, and if you or anyone you know matches the criteria and have recently traveled to the affected areas of China, please see a medical professional.”
