Three people suspected to have coronavirus tested in New York

Three people in New York are undergoing tests because of suspected coronavirus. They all have a high fever, cough, breathing problems, and they have all recently returned from mainland China. This is with reference to the statements of health officials reports the publication NBC New York.

Suspected Coronavirus

The City Health Department announced the first patient on Saturday, February 1, and the other two on late Sunday, February 2. As of 22:00 pm Sunday, testing for all three cases had not been completed; the process is estimated to take 36-48 hours.

The first patient under the age of 40 was admitted to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan on February 2, two others, over 60 years old, were admitted to hospitals in Queens: one at Flushing Hospital and the other at New York-Presbyterian.

All three patients became ill with a fever, they developed a cough without any other common cause, such as the flu or a cold.

New US entry restrictions

Meanwhile, new restrictions were announced regarding flights to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security said that 11 airports, including Newark and Kennedy, will provide extended checks for passengers who have traveled to China over the past two weeks.

According to DHS, most foreign nationals who have traveled to China for two weeks will be denied entry after their arrival. Exceptions are likely to be made for immediate family members of US citizens, permanent residents and aircraft crew members, the agency reported on February 2. “We understand that this can add stress and extend travel times for some people, but public health and safety experts agree that these measures are necessary to contain the virus and protect the American people,” said Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolfe (Chad F. Wolf).

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American travelers who fly to New York and experience symptoms will be immediately transported to Bellevue or Jameika hospitals. “To minimize disruptions, CBP and airlines are working to identify these passengers before departure. Upon arrival in the US, people are advised to comply with self-quarantine directives to help protect the American public, ”Wolfe added in a DHS press release.

Other possible cases in New York

Three possible cases in New York are not the first. At a press conference on Sunday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said there were 11 more possible cases across the state, but all tests came back negative. “If in the last 14 days you have come to the affected area and feel unwell, call the doctor or visit the clinic and they will take care of you. Also, during flu season, take daily precautions by washing your hands often and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze. We remain grateful to all New Yorkers for their cooperation, ”cautioned Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot.

Symptoms of Coronavirus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of coronavirus are similar to those associated with the flu: a sore throat, runny nose, headaches, cough, and fever. The virus can also lead to pneumonia or bronchitis. It seems that it is transmitted from person to person, but little is known about how it spreads.

The number of sick and dead

Over the past few weeks, the deadly coronavirus has spread rapidly worldwide from Wuhan (China), where it is believed to have originated.

According to information Air Force publications, as of February 2, the number of patients with the new type of coronavirus 2019-nCoV in China exceeded 17 thousand people, 361 people died from pneumonia caused by the virus. Only in a day, 2829 new cases of infection were detected.

According to Chinese media, the number of cases outside China has reached 148. On Sunday, the first death outside China was also recorded - a 44-year-old Chinese man died in the Philippines, who arrived there from Wuhan, the capital of the Chinese province of Hubei, where the virus epidemic began.

Earlier, speaking of the risk of an epidemic in New York, Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot said: "It is inevitable that we will have someone with coronavirus confirmed." As he writes New Time Edition, in total, 11 cases of coronavirus infection were recorded in the United States, of which more than half were in California. State Governor Andrew Cuomo noted that there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in New York so far. Of the 12 samples that were tested, 11 were negative. Results for one person are pending.

Coronavirus Hotline

On February 2, Cuomo announced that a new hotline has been opened for New Yorkers to call for information about the coronavirus. Call 1-888-364-3065 and the NYC Department of Health will answer any questions about the virus. “In situations like this, we take all the precautions necessary to keep New Yorkers safe,” Cuomo said in a statement. "We want all New Yorkers to know that the state and its institutions and authorities will continue to do whatever it takes to keep people safe."