Boy, 5, Dies From Possible Coronavirus-Linked Illness: Cuomo

LONG ISLAND, NY — The New York State Department of Health is investigating after a 5-year-old boy from New York City reportedly died of coronavirus-related symptoms, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday.

During his press briefing, Cuomo said when it comes to coronavirus, "There is still much we don't know."

In recent days, Cuomo said, there have been 73 reported cases in New York of children getting ill with symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock-like syndrome. On Thursday, he said, a 5-year-old child died from those complications, "believed to be caused by COVID-19."

The "really painful" reality of COVID-19 in children, he said, could signal "an entirely different chapter."

Cuomo said parents should remain vigilant and seek care immediately if their child has symptoms including a prolonged fever for more than five days; difficulty feeding (in infants) or is too sick to drink fluids; severe abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting; change in skin color with a child becoming pale, patchy and/or blue; trouble breathing or breathing very quickly; racing heart or chest pain; a decreased amount or frequency of urine; and lethargy, irritability, or confusion.

The DOH is investigating other cases, he said.

216 new deaths statewide

On Friday, Cuomo reported that the total number of coronavirus hospitalizations was down statewide to 8,196. Intubations are down and about 600 new coronavirus patients entering the hospital per day. A total of 216 new deaths were reported statewide over the past 24 hours.

Discussing other areas of unknowns, Cuomo discussed how originally, the belief was that New York coronavirus cases came from China when in fact, the virus is now believed to have come to New York from Europe, with three million Europeans coming through airports from December to March.

Minority communities impacted

One common thread, Cuomo said, is that the virus impacts minority communities. In studying downstate hospitals to see where the virus was originating, Cuomo said of the 21 zip codes with the highest number of COVID-19 cases, 20 of those had the most Hispanic and African American residents.

(ny.gov)

Of the COVID-19 fatalities in New York City by race, 34 percent, or 29 percent of the population, were Hispanic; with 28 percent, or 22 percent of the population, black; 27 percent, or 31 percent of the population, white; and seven percent, or 14 percent of the population, Asian, Cuomo said.

Extending the window to report childhood sexual abuse

Those hoping to come forward to report childhood sexual abuse under the Child Victims Act will see that window extended until Jan. 14, Cuomo said. While the current window was set to expire in August, Cuomo said the goal was "to ensure COVID-19 does not stand in the way of justice."