BREAKING: SKOUFIS ANNOUNCES SUNY/CUNY STUDENTS ABROAD WILL NOT COME THROUGH STEWART AIRPORT

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) announced that after ongoing discussions with the Governor’s office and the State Department of Health, he just received confirmation this afternoon that the SUNY/CUNY students who were on study-abroad programs in Coronavirus-exposed countries such as China, Italy, Japan, Iran and South Korea, will not be flying through Stewart International Airport in New Windsor. Subsequently, St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital has not been contacted by the state to participate in any potential quarantine plans.

“It’s of the utmost importance that during a public health situation, accurate information about what’s happening locally is provided so that individuals, and us as a collective community, know what steps need to be taken,” said Senator Skoufis. “I’m committed to ensuring the public is provided with factual, up-to-date information on the Coronavirus pandemic and will continue to be transparent and forthcoming with my constituents as additional details come into my office. In the meantime, local residents can rest assured that the students from Coronavirus-exposed countries will not be landing at Stewart Airport."

The students will instead return to New York through JFK International Airport and proceed with a 14-day quarantine period. The details of their exact arrival date and where they will be quarantined have not been released. 

New York State has opened a Coronavirus hotline for those who want additional information: 1-888-364-3065.

New York State Department of Health’s recommended prevention steps:

• 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.

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