Long Island’s first confirmed COVID-19 patient is a 42-year old who has been hospitalized in Nassau County. Officials say the man caught the virus through community spread, not from travel to an affected country.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says the patient’s condition is improving. His close contacts have been advised to self-quarantine.
Three more cases were confirmed in New York City, bringing the total number of cases in New York to 22.
Cuomo says there will be more.
“The number will continue to go up. It must, because we are continuing to test more and more. The more you test, the higher number you will have.”
But Cuomo says the increased numbers should not cause surprise or anxiety.
“The information itself, the facts here are not frightening. I think what’s causing anxiety is that people are confused, and they’re getting conflicting messages.”
Cuomo says about 80% of people who contract the virus will have mild symptoms that will resolve without medical treatment. Senior patients and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions could require hospitalization.
In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont says the state is facing a shortage of Coronavirus testing kits and may not be able to keep up with new guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
About 200 people have been monitored for the Coronavirus in the last month, according to the state Department of Public Health.
Twelve people have been tested, all negative, the department says. Officials said they’ve asked the CDC for more kits and that private labs and hospitals will begin testing in the state within days or weeks.
Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and Public Health Commissioner Renee Coleman-Mitchell updated constituents on the state’s efforts to stop the virus’ spread during a telephone town hall Thursday evening. Coleman-Mitchell said their goal is to make sure residents are prepared.
“Overall our focus now has moved to preparation. Preparing our communities, our schools, our day care centers, businesses for a time for when the virus is being transmitted at the community level. Our main goal right now is to slow down the spread of the virus so our health care system does not get overwhelmed.”
Health officials say the overall risk of Connecticut residents becoming infected with the virus is low. They advise people with flu-like conditions to self-monitor and not go to a hospital unless they have difficulty breathing.
