Cuomo Signs $40M Bill To Battle Coronavirus

ALBANY, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a $40 million emergency spending bill Tuesday to help battle the spread of COVID-19, known as the new coronavirus. The signing follows the New York State Senate passing the bill Monday night.

State Sen. Jim Gaughran's office said in a news release that the funding will allow the state's health department to quickly respond to what it called a "growing international health epidemic" by hiring more staff, buying equipment and obtaining resources. The law also allows the state to implement a standardized response across the state.

"These are uncharted territories," Cuomo said in a news release." Government has to respond. Government has to respond quickly."

Cuomo also said he would amend the paid sick leave budget proposal to protect people from being terminated who have to stay home from work because they're being isolated or quarantined as a result of the novel coronavirus.

The legislation comes after a second case of COVID-19 was confirmed in New York.

Related:

• First Coronavirus Case Confirmed In NYC: Officials
• 2nd Case Of Coronavirus Confirmed In New York

"The health and safety of New Yorkers is of the utmost importance and it is our job as elected officials to ensure our top priority is protecting the public’s health," Gaughran said.

"This funding is vital to ensuring New York State’s public health experts and health professionals have all of the tools they need to quickly combat this growing international health pandemic... This funding will bolster New York’s ability to swiftly respond to the spread of coronavirus in order to prioritize protecting the public’s health," Gaughran said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said current symptoms reported for people with COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

The virus is spreading from person to person, and someone who is sick with the virus can spread the illness to others, medical officials said.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent the new coronavirus. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

The CDC recommends preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, such as:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home if sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue away

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipes.

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