THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR

WPCNR CORONAVIRUS UPDATE. From the Mayor’s Office. 5 PM EDT March 8, 2020:

As of today the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) is reporting 105 cases of coronavirus in the state, 82 of which are in Westchester County.

We know that many residents are concerned about community spread of COVID-19, specifically in White Plains.

At this time, for privacy and safety reasons, NYS DOH is not providing either municipal or county governments with specific information about where those who have tested positive live.

Residents who are concerned and/or have questions about coronavirus should call the NYS DOH hotline at: 1-888-364-3065. This hotline is staffed 24/7.  We urge everyone to continue to practice common sense preventive measures. While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

In addition to general guidance provided to the public, NYS has been providing sector-specific guidance to groups such as health care workers and nursing homes. We expect more of this in the coming days. We continue to work with state, county, and local officials to ensure a coordinated response and will continue to update residents on a regular basis. For more information access these trustworthy resources:
NYS DOH:
https://health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

Westchester County DOH:
https://health.westchestergov.com/

WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. March 6, 2020:

uring a briefing on the novel coronavirus, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today confirmed 11 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 33 confirmed cases in New York State.

Of the new cases identified since yesterday, eight are located in Westchester County, two are located in Rockland County and one is located in New York City.

Of the 33 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:

• Nassau County: 1
• Rockland County: 2
• New York City: 4
• Westchester County: 26

“While the overall risk level of the novel coronavirus in New York remains low, I want New Yorkers to know that I’m not urging calm. I’m urging reality. I’m urging a factual response as opposed to an emotional response,” Governor Cuomo said. “In New York we have the most sophisticated healthcare system on the globe, and we are continuing to prioritize testing, quarantine protocols and containment tracking to keep New Yorkers safe.”

Additionally, the Governor announced that a New York State interagency task force is continuing to coordinate with local governments and healthcare partners to monitor and respond to the novel coronavirus outbreak. Members of the task force include:

• Linda Lacewell, Department of Financial Services, Superintendent
• Dr. Howard Zucker, Department of Health, Commissioner
• Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor
• Beth Garvey, Special Counsel
• Gareth Rhodes, Department of Financial Services, Deputy Superintendent
• Simonida Subotic, Deputy Secretary for Economic Development
• Kelly Cummings, Director of State Operations and Infrastructure
• Michael Kopy, Director of Emergency Management
• Patrick Murphy, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Commissioner
• RoAnn Destito, Office of General Services, Commissioner
• Pat Foye, MTA, Chairman & CEO
• Rick Cotton, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Executive Director
• Dan Fuller, Deputy Secretary for Education
• Sandra Beattie, Division of Budget, Deputy Director