NY to contract private labs for testing as new cases are found in Westchester

New York will begin contracting with private labs across the state to “greatly increase” testing capacity for coronavirus.

News 12 Staff

Mar 11, 2020, 6:37 PM

Updated 1,508 days ago

Share:

New York will begin contracting with private labs across the state to “greatly increase” testing capacity for coronavirus.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo began his news conference Wednesday saying that 200,000 people in China are being tested for coronavirus daily. In South Korea, he says 15,000 are being tested daily.
In the U.S., Gov. Andrew Cuomo says that only 5,000 have been tested since the outbreak began.
Gov. Cuomo says he has already spoken to 28 private labs to step up testing in New York.
undefined
“The more tests we do, the more the numbers will increase,” says Gov. Cuomo. 
The governor also announced that there are at least 13 new coronavirus cases in Westchester, bringing the statewide total to 212.
In Westchester, there are now 121 cases. That number is expected to continue to rise.
Rockland County currently has six cases.
Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan confirmed that there are now two cases in Ulster County. Officials say the second patient is a senior citizen from the Town of Shawangunk who lives with his family. He tested positive at the Crystal Run Healthcare facility in the Town of Wallkill.
Officials say the man “traveled to Crystal Run to get the actual test” and did not have a “pattern of international travel.”
Ulster County officials say the man may have had contact with employees at the Wallkill Central School District. The Ulster County Health Department has recommended closing the district through the weekend to allow for cleaning and disinfecting of the facilities.
Earlier today, it was announced that a Westchester attorney, who practices at the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains, tested positive for coronavirus. The attorney was diagnosed Tuesday after experiencing flu like symptoms. The attorney was in both Westchester County Matrimonial and Family Courts on March 2, 3, 4, and 5.
The Westchester County Department of Health and all relevant parties: attorneys, judicial, uniformed, non-judicial personnel have been contacted and recommended to self-isolate and speak with their physicians.
He also announced that CUNY and SUNY students would move to a “distance learning model” beginning on March 19. He says it will help “reduce the density” of students on campus and minimize the risk of the virus spreading.
Students will be allowed to stay in dorms or return home for the rest of the semester.
PHOTOS: The impact of the coronavirus outbreak around the world
undefined
Coronavirus: What you need to know
Will A Mask Really Protect You From Coronavirus? - Cheddar Explains


More from News 12
1:57
Authorities: Fire destroys home in Spring Valley

Authorities: Fire destroys home in Spring Valley

1:45
Scattered rain overnight in the Hudson Valley; sunny skies Sunday afternoon

Scattered rain overnight in the Hudson Valley; sunny skies Sunday afternoon

0:33
Delta plane lands at JFK due to emergency slide falling off

Delta plane lands at JFK due to emergency slide falling off

2:02
'Gains For Brains' girls lacrosse tournament raises awareness, funds for pediatric brain cancer research

'Gains For Brains' girls lacrosse tournament raises awareness, funds for pediatric brain cancer research

0:31
Police seek public’s help locating missing 89-year-old man

Police seek public’s help locating missing 89-year-old man

2:28
Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

Doctors are seeing an increase in pickleball-related injuries. Here how to avoid them

1:23
Westchester commuters, residents weigh in on official congestion pricing rollout date

Westchester commuters, residents weigh in on official congestion pricing rollout date

0:20
City of White Plains to impose new speed limit of 25 mph, effective in May

City of White Plains to impose new speed limit of 25 mph, effective in May

0:41
Farm-to-table distillery brings boozy beverages to Goshen

Farm-to-table distillery brings boozy beverages to Goshen

0:22
Westchester County Center to host free prom attire giveaway this weekend

Westchester County Center to host free prom attire giveaway this weekend

0:35
Westchester Craft Beverage Trail takes residents on tour of 2 dozen distilleries

Westchester Craft Beverage Trail takes residents on tour of 2 dozen distilleries

Special teams carry Rangers to a Game 3 win and a 3-0 series lead on the Capitals

Special teams carry Rangers to a Game 3 win and a 3-0 series lead on the Capitals

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:52
Mother and daughter from Mount Vernon sentenced in pandemic-relief fraud scheme

Mother and daughter from Mount Vernon sentenced in pandemic-relief fraud scheme

0:32
Carmel police: Yorktown shoplifting suspects arrested

Carmel police: Yorktown shoplifting suspects arrested

0:52
'Kindness in a cup.' Sleepy Coffee, Too celebrates grand opening in Sleepy Hollow

'Kindness in a cup.' Sleepy Coffee, Too celebrates grand opening in Sleepy Hollow

1:53
Officials call for no-show Orange County legislator to step down after missing meetings for two years

Officials call for no-show Orange County legislator to step down after missing meetings for two years

0:34
Yonkers police: Man wanted for failing to appear in court for car break-in charges

Yonkers police: Man wanted for failing to appear in court for car break-in charges

1:57
White Plains dispensary pays it forward, spends green on legal help

White Plains dispensary pays it forward, spends green on legal help

0:49
Gov. Hochul signs $10 million literacy plan into law

Gov. Hochul signs $10 million literacy plan into law