Coronavirus: New York Port Authority chief Rick Cotton tests positive as number of cases in state hits 142
- Governor Andrew Cuomo unveils New York’s own brand of hand sanitiser, made by prisoners, to meet shortages from outbreak
- State of emergency has been declared in New York, with schools closed and thousands of students staying home
The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Rick Cotton, has tested positive for the coronavirus, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a press briefing on Monday.
Cotton, who tested positive after visiting airports and other Port Authority facilities, is on home quarantine, the governor added, while announcing that the number of confirmed cases in his state had jumped to 142.
At the briefing, Cuomo also revealed that New York – under a state of emergency because of the outbreak – was launching its own brand of hand sanitiser, made by jail inmates.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said 100,000 gallons (379,000 litres) of “NYS Clean” would be produced a week by prisoners, who already manufacture soap, to meet shortages.
“This is a superior product,” the governor said, as the gel was unveiled from behind a curtain at a press conference.
“It has a very nice floral bouquet,” he added, after rubbing some on his hands.