Concern over Coronavirus continues to grow even after health officials say the results for a third person tested for the virus came back negative. The Health Commissioner is urging New Yorkers not to panic.
"There is no risk at this point in time, and we're always learning more, about having it be transmitted in casual contact," said Health Commissioner, Dr. Oxiris Barbot.
There are two other people still being tested. Both are under 40 and travelled to China recently.
The health department said they showed symptoms that were ruled out as the common cold or flu. One is in the hospital the other was not admitted. In Brooklyn, city officials were also urging New Yorkers to go about their daily lives. They also warned people about targeting the Asian community. They say there is an anti-Asian and anti-Chinese sentiment because of the virus.
“Our conversation is not about a group of people or a country, it’s about a virus. So what we’re talking about here is not about stigma of a population, a country or a group of people but how all of us as New Yorkers can come together to prevent transmission of this virus,” said Demetre Daskalakis, Deputy Commissioners of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
“There are things we are seeing and hearing that are unacceptable and against our values as a city, as a borough and our neighborhood,” said City Councilman Mark Treyger.
In Chinatown business owners say they have seen a steep drop in business because of fears surrounding the Coronavirus.
“People die in the United States from the flu and I don't see people rushing to get a flu shot. Every day we cross the road and get hit by a car, those odds are even higher than coronavirus and I don't see people stopping to cross the street so we are doing the most to help promote Chinatown. So, come down on Valentine’s Day,” said Wellington Chen of the Chinatown Partnership.