New York health and city officials said it wasn't a matter of if the coronavirus would reach the area, but when. 

Now that the first case has been confirmed in Manhattan, the city and state are working to contain it. This comes as hospitals in NYC were just cleared to begin testing for the coronavirus.  

Dr. Theresa Madaline, an infectious disease specialist with Montefiore Health Systems, joined Mornings on 1 to discuss the virus.

For precaution, she said New Yorkers should wash their hands, stay home if they feel ill and sneeze into their elbows. She also suggested people avoid emergency rooms to prevent residents from congregating in such areas unless necessary. 

Madaline urged people to preserve face masks for healthcare workers.