Health and Science

At least two New York high schools close after suspected coronavirus case in local community

Key Points
  • A New York City high school is closing Tuesday after a suspected case of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the community.
  • SAR Academy and SAR High School said in a statement that it was a precautionary measure, following guidelines from the New York City Department of Health.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio speak during a news conference on the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in New York, on March 2, 2020 in New York City.
David Dee Delgado | Getty Images

At least two New York area high schools closed Tuesday after a suspected case of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the local community.

SAR Academy and SAR High School said in a statement that it was a precautionary measure, following guidelines from the New York City Department of Health. The school is located in the Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale, according to its website. It's a modern orthodox Jewish High School, according to its Facebook page. 

Another Jewish school outside New York City, Westchester Day School, also announced it would be closed Tuesday due to the potential case at SAR. Westchester Torah Academy was also reportedly closing. 

The New York City Department of Health did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. Representatives from Westchester Day School were not immediately available for comment. Reuters first reported the school closure.

NYC high school to close Tuesday after suspected coronavirus case, reports Reuters
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NYC high school to close Tuesday after suspected coronavirus case, reports Reuters

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will hold a press conference to update the public on the COVID-19 outbreak at 9:00 am ET.

Over the weekend, New York health officials confirmed the state's first coronavirus case, a woman who recently traveled to Iran and is currently isolated in her Manhattan home. 

As of Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are 91 cases of COVID-19 in the United States.

At least 48 of those cases are repatriates from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, and the Diamond Princess cruise ship, according to an update on the agency's website. At least 17 cases — 12 confirmed and 5 presumptive positive — are travel-related infections. Twenty-six cases — 4 confirmed and 22 presumptive positive— are from human-to-human interaction, according to the CDC.

This is breaking news. Check back for updates.