Politics & Government
Head Of Port Authority Of NY/NJ Tests Positive For Coronavirus
The executive director who oversees airports, tunnels and bridges in New Jersey and New York tested positive, officials said.
NEW YORK CITY — The Port Authority's executive director has tested positive for the new coronavirus, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Monday.
Rick Cotton, whose agencies oversees Newark Liberty International Airport, the PATH trains and bridges and tunnels to New York City, will be working from home and self-quarantining.
"He has been at airports with many people coming back with the virus," Cuomo said.
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"He'll be working at home," he said. The rest of his team is being tested and will also work remotely, Cuomo said.
It's not known if Cotton had any contact with people in New Jersey.
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Former Today Show and CBS anchor Katie Couric said on Twitter that Cotton "is an old friend of mine. In fact, I just saw him on Saturday for the first time in a long time. Feel better Rick."
But she also said: "PS: We didn't touch!"
The Port Authority released a statement:
"Mr. Cotton is currently asymptomatic and has self-quarantined at his home while maintaining a full schedule. Any staff members who have had close contact with him in recent days are also working from home as they follow the guidelines and protocols put in place by the New York State Department of Health.”
New Jersey has had eight coronavirus cases, state officials announced on Sunday. Investigations were also underway for potential cases in nine counties.
"From north to south, the coronavirus seems to be spreading," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli told reports in a conference call.
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Cotton became the executive director of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on August 14, 2017. Prior to joining the Port Authority, since January 2015, Cotton served as Cuomo's special counsellor for interagency initiatives.
He was appointed by Cuomo. The New Jersey governor appoints the chairman.
Cotton joined the administration following 25 years at NBC Universal, where he held a number of positions beginning in 1989, including 20 years as executive vice president and General Counsel and four years in London as president and managing director of CNBC Europe.
Adam Nichols reported for this story.
This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.
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