Port Authority Head Tests Positive For Coronavirus

NEW YORK CITY — The Port Authority's executive director has tested positive for the new coronavirus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.

Rick Cotton has been overseeing international arrivals at JFK Airport and other airports.

"He has been at airports with many people coming back with the virus," Cuomo said.

"He'll be working at home." The rest of his team is being tested and will also work remotely, Cuomo said.

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New York now has 142 cases, with 19 in New York City, Cuomo said. Long Island has 18 and Westchester 98. NYC's mayor Bill de Blasio's official count is only 13, he said Monday. It's unclear why there is a discrepancy.

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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, Cotton served as Cuomo's special counsellor for interagency initiatives.

He was appointed by Cuomo.

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.