First Reported Case Of Corona Virus In NYC Announced Today, Roosevelt Island Duane Reade Out Of Hand Sanitizers And Face Masks - RIOC Exploring Several Sanitation Options

We are announcing the first positive case of #COVID19 in New York City. We have already identified close contacts of the individual, who may have been exposed, and will take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19: https://t.co/AKpJIDztv1. pic.twitter.com/2GiXPoEAY3

— nycHealthy (@nycHealthy) March 2, 2020

As reported last January 28:

... 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.

Today, the Roosevelt Island Twitterverse observed that our local Duane Reade hand sanitizer section was empty

@Rooseveltisland Shelf at Roosevelt Island @DuaneReade where hand sanitizer used to be...#Coronavirusnyc #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/rWx2HunTMN

— FinnYorker (@NYTTYTTYY) March 2, 2020

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio updates New Yorkers today on the first reported case of the Corona virus in NYC:

We know the first reported case of coronavirus has people on edge. Here's what we know about the patient:
▪️She recently traveled to Iran.
▪️She didn't use public transit after returning to NYC.
▪️She had limited contact with others. We're following up with those people.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 2, 2020

For more information go to: https://t.co/5D0ReMxrb8 pic.twitter.com/7Jkhhpd8M4

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 2, 2020

Today, I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal:

With the recent health concerns about the Coronal Virus and keeping your hands free of germs, is it possible for RIOC to install outdoor hand sanitizers on the street, possibly at Tram and subway station, bus stops and other public areas?

Attached is photo from Cornell Tech Cafe hand sanitizer.

RIOC Public Information Officer Terrence McCauley replied:

We are exploring several sanitation options throughout the island.

The NY Times reports on what we know about how Corona virus is transmitted.

What you need to know about how the coronavirus is transmitted https://t.co/sA0BMyd8or

— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 2, 2020

Mayor de Blasio adds:

We’ve received an important update since this morning.

New York City’s public health lab will be able to conduct its own testing for coronavirus later today.

This will help us diagnose people in hours instead of days.

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 2, 2020

Video of update from Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio



and Mayor de Blasio describing a table top Corona Virus spread exercise with NYC Emergency Management Department.