SENATOR BIAGGI ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING CONFIRMED CORONAVIRUS CASES CONNECTED TO THE BRONX & WESTCHESTER IN NEW YORK STATE

BRONX, NY – Today, Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 New York State Senator Alessandra Biaggi was informed that New York State now has six confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19), four of which hold a connection to the Riverdale community within the Senator’s district in the Bronx. According to available information, on March 3rd, a resident of New Rochelle in Westchester County was confirmed to be infected – the individual is employed in Manhattan, and is said to have had previous respiratory health problems. The individual is the father of a student who attends Salanter Akiba Riverdale (SAR) High School in the Bronx, and a student who attends a Yeshiva University in Manhattan. As of this morning, the individual’s two children, wife, and neighbor have tested positive for COVID-19. The father has not recently traveled internationally to any of the countries identified as hotspots for the virus. The New York City Department of Health is reporting that this is the first case of community spread in New York City, meaning that the source of his infection is unknown. 

The father is currently hospitalized at New York-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and his diagnosed family members remain quarantined at their home in Westchester. As a precaution, both SAR Academy and SAR High School closed yesterday and remain closed today. The Yeshiva University has canceled classes as well, and members of the Young Israel Synagogue of New Rochelle have been mandated to self-quarantine in their homes. The schools remain in contact with the New York City Department of Health, and are complying with advised preventative measures and guidance on next steps. 

The New York City Department of Health is encouraging anyone who is concerned about having been in close contact with one of these individuals to contact their health care provider or call 311.

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx/Westchester) issued the following statement:

“I want to extend my gratitude to SAR High School Principal Rabbi Tully Harcsztark for his swift response in taking precaution, and the New York City Department of Health for their support in advising our community on next steps. As is recommended by the Department of Health, it is critical that both Bronx and Westchester residents remain calm and continue to follow best practices to protect themselves and their neighbors – this includes frequently washing your hands, disinfecting objects and surfaces, and following the advice of your doctor. This week the New York State Legislature allocated $40 million to ensure the state has the necessary resources to effectively respond to the virus and keep New Yorkers safe. My office will continue to monitor the situation, remain in contact with the New York City and State Departments of Health, and share information with the community as it is made available. My thoughts are with the family and all those impacted.”

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