Mount Vernon responds to Coronavirus in Westchester County

Today Governor Cuomo put out a press release regarding the first positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Westchester County, this follows the first positive case in New York City. Here is what we know so far about the case in Westchester:

A 50-year-old New Rochelle man tested positive for the coronavirus overnight. The man had traveled to Miami recently but not to China or any other countries at the center of the outbreak, as far as officials know. He had an underlying respiratory illness and is hospitalized.

The man had been at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville before being transferred to a hospital in Manhattan. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the man is in serious condition. The man works as a lawyer in Manhattan. Officials are looking into how the man normally commuted to the city.

Within Mount Vernon City Hall, we have stocked and placed hand sanitizer stations throughout City Hall and city-owned properties. We have sent memos out to our staff encouraging them to stay home if they are sick, routinely clean their work-space, wash their hands often for over 20 seconds, especially after eating, using the bathroom or other activities. Mount Vernon is taking the necessary steps to ensure we combat the spread of the Coronavirus.

The spread of COVID-19 has communities on high alert, causing anxiety and overreaction. I’ve instructed the Office of Emergency Management to contacted Mount Vernon City School District, Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital and Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center regarding Prevention, Preparation and Resources. Our Neighborhood Health Center is in the process of formulating a Comprehensive Response to COVID-19. Montefiore Mount Vernon has ensured me that they are lock in step with Center for Disease Control, WORLD Health Organization and NYS Department Of Health to ensure that the hospitals Infectious Disease Control Plan is updated for the spread of COVID-19.

Within Mount Vernon City Hall, we have stocked and placed hand sanitizer stations throughout City Hall and city-owned properties. We have sent memos out to our staff encouraging them to stay home if they are sick, routinely clean their work-space, wash their hands often for over 20 seconds, especially after eating, using the bathroom or other activities. Mount Vernon is taking the necessary steps to ensure we combat the spread of the Coronavirus.