Roosevelt Island Duane Reade Pharmacy Sold Out Of Face Masks, Resupply Unknown - New Yorkers Concerned About Spread Of Novel Coronavirus, No Confirmed NY Cases Says Governor Cuomo, But It's Probably Here Says NYC Mayor de Blasio

An indication of the concern over news reports about the Novel Coronavirus was seen today at the Roosevelt Island Duane Reade pharmacy counter - Face masks are sold out

 and the staff does not know when they will be resupplied.

CBS Channel 2 New York reports today on the Novelcorona virus:



The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) tweets

Gov. Cuomo issues orders to protect NYS from Novel Coronavirus. https://t.co/8YL5fYRKCY pic.twitter.com/cBVv4vkz8N

— RIOC NYS (@RIOCny) January 27, 2020

and NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo issued this statement today:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced an update on the status of testing for the novel coronavirus in New York State. As of today, the New York State Department of Health has sent samples for 10 individuals to the CDC for testing with seven found to be negative and three more still pending. So far, there are no confirmed cases in New York State.

"While we continue to closely monitor the spread of this novel coronavirus, I have directed our Department of Health to continue communicating with and providing updates to our local communities, healthcare providers, colleges, universities and New York companies with locations or business interests in China," Governor Cuomo said. "My message to New Yorkers is: take this coronavirus seriously, take proper precautions, stay informed, but also feel confident that our Health Department and this administration are prepared and ready."

The Department of Health continues to provide guidance to New York's colleges and universities, many of which have international students from China, on how to identify the virus, update students and promote prevention measures.

More information about the novel coronavirus is available here.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "We encourage all New Yorkers to take normal precautions against sickness, such as regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. We will continue to work with our partners at the CDC and around the State as we assist in any way necessary to ensure the health of all New Yorkers."

Symptoms of the novel coronavirus may include:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever

While there is currently no vaccine for this novel coronavirus, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including:

• 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.
• Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment.

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said yesterday on NY1 Inside City Hall with Errol Lewis:

Well, some of our top public health officials and I got together on Friday to brief the city and let folks know that we have to expect to see this here. What we now know is this virus was underestimated by the Chinese government. It was actually beginning to spread and was not recognized sufficiently and talked about openly. And you know, that has a lot to do with the situation in China and the way things are governed.

But we now have a worldwide phenomenon that we have to take very seriously and it's a new disease in the eyes of medical science. And that's the thing I have to tell you. You know, you get briefed by your team and typically they're like, okay, here's everything we know. And it's pretty exhaustive. I wouldn't – this is the New York City Department of Health, the best public health agency in the country. But this one's new. It's on a spectrum of diseases. If we're lucky, it's more like the common cold. If we're unlucky, it's more like SARS and so far it sure seems more like SARS, obviously a number of people have died but medical science still doesn't fully understand this disease and there is no cure at this moment.

So really emphasizing to New Yorkers, it's probably here already. That's the sad reality. It’s probably here in the form of individuals who in the, you know, existing in individuals who have been to Wuhan or have family members who've been to Wuhan and have had some prolonged exposure and the symptoms, you know, flu-like symptoms, symptoms similar in some ways to what you see with pneumonia. But if anyone matches those criteria, they need to get to a doctor right away. The best chance of protecting them, but also stopping the spread, is quick medical attention...

Asked today, Roosevelt Island Doctor Jack Resnick says he has not seen any indication of the Novel Coronavirus in our community.

The US Centers for Disease Control has more on the Novel Coronavirus.

UPDATE 1/29 - Yesterday I asked Cornell Tech:

Governor Cuomo says Health Department is in contact with universities that have international students such as Cornell Tech.

Any statement from Cornell Tech as to what they are doing regarding issue since there have a number of Chinese students - are any from the Wuhan province?

Cornell responds here.