New York confirms 1st positive test of new coronavirus

NEW YORK — New York confirmed Sunday the state’s first positive test of the new virus that has sickened tens of thousands of people across the globe.

A woman in her late 30s contracted the virus while traveling in Iran, according to a statement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office. She is currently isolated in her home.

The patient is not in serious condition. She has respiratory symptoms and has been in a controlled situation since arriving in New York according to the statement.

“The positive test was confirmed by New York’s Wadsworth Lab in Albany, underscoring the importance of the ability for our state to ensure efficient and rapid turnaround, and is exactly why I advocated for the approval from Vice President Pence that New York was granted just yesterday,” Cuomo said in the statement. “There is no reason for undue anxiety — the general risk remains low in New York. We are diligently managing this situation and will continue to provide information as it becomes available.”

We have learned of the 1st positive case of COVID-19 in NY. The patient contracted the virus while in Iran & is isolated

There is no reason for undue anxiety—the general risk remains low in NY. We are diligently managing this situation &will provide info as it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/rLnObvrg3R

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 2, 2020

City and state health officials have previously tested several New York patients who have reported symptoms consistent with the pneumonia-like virus, but until now each suspected case had proven to be a false alarm.

Under new travel rules imposed by the United States, most people who aren’t U.S. citizens and who traveled to China within the last 14 days will be denied entry to the country.

New York’s Kennedy Airport is one of a select number of U.S. airports where non-stop flights from mainland China are permitted to land under federal emergency guidelines . All arriving passengers on those flights undergo enhanced health screening.