Port Authority Chief Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Gov. Cuomo Says

NEW YORK (VINnews) – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday that Rick Cotton, the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, has tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Cotton “is going to be on quarantine” and will be working at home, Cuomo said at a press briefing.

The team of senior officials who work with Cotton will also be tested, Cuomo said, adding that “several of them may be on quarantine.”

Cotton has been overseeing the arrival of overseas flights coming into airports in the area, including John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Cotton “has been doing a magnificent job handling the airports,” Cuomo said.

The governor urged his constituents to take precautions but refrain from pandemonium as he provided an update about the ongoing situation. He advised people to “use your discretion, use your intelligence” when it comes to adjusting social interactions amid the pandemic.

“The fear and the hysteria is outpacing the reality of the situation,” Cuomo said, “but the reality of the situation is that people in that target group should be careful.”