The city has confirmed that two more people are undergoing tests for possible coronavirus in Queens — the second and third suspected cases in the Big Apple, officials announced Sunday night.
The two patients, both over 60-years-old, recently returned from China and developed “fever and cough or shortness of breath without another common cause,” according to the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The unidentified patients are in stable condition at Flushing Hospital Medical Center.
Tests for the common cold and flu came back negative. The results of the patients’ coronavirus test, which is being handled by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will take up to two days.
“With the best public health system in the world, New York City stands ready to respond to any confirmed cases of the coronavirus,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement.
“I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant, and if you or anyone you know matches the criteria and have recently traveled to the affected areas of China, please see a medical professional.”
On Saturday, health officials announced the first suspected coronavirus case in the city.
That patient, who is under 40, also fell ill with a fever, cough and shortness of breath and returning from China. The person is hospitalized at Bellevue Hospital and remains in stable condition.
The deadly virus has killed at least 360 people, mainly in China, and sickened over 17,000 people worldwide.
As of Sunday night, there were 11 confirmed cases in the US.