Governor Signs $40 Million for Coronavirus Response, Calls for Paid Sick Leave for Quarantined

On the heels of announcing requiring Medicaid and insurance to cover Coronavirus testing, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says he’s amending paid sick leave legislation to protect workers affected by COVID-19.

The Democrat says he has proposed to include the protection for workers who have to stay home from work because of novel Coronavirus to make sure they aren't penalized financially or lose their jobs because of being made to stay home or quarantined. 

The Governor’s announcement came at a news briefing March 3 where he said second case of Coronavirus has been confirmed in New York State. The 50-year-old Westchester man with an underlying respiratory condition is hospitalized in serious condition while a school attended by one of his children closed at least for the day.

Also during the news briefing, Cuomo signed into law a $40-million emergency management authorization for the state’s Coronavirus response, allowing for the hiring of additional staff and obtaining equipment and other resources to respond to the evolving situation.

The Governor reiterated that New York’s overall risk level remains low but quick steps were needed to ensure health and safety and prepare for “any possible scenario.”