New York-New Jersey head of Port Authority has tested positive for coronavirus

The head of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Rick Cotton, has tested positive for coronavirus, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced to reporters on Monday.

The governor added that Cotton will be working from home while under quarantine for the next couple weeks and that his staff will undergo testing as a precaution.

Cotton, in his role as the Port Authority director, had been overseeing international arrivals at John F. Kennedy International Airport and other airports in the area.

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

Cuomo acknowledged that he "could have been in contact" with Cotton, but said hasn't been tested since he's considered an "improbable positive," which simply means that he isn't likely to have the virus.

New York is now the most impacted state

During the press conference, Cuomo also announced that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases has jumped to 142 in New York, the highest tally of any state in the country. According to Cuomo, "We continue to expect more positive cases as we test."

But, despite the growing number of confirmed cases, Cuomo aded that the "fear and hysteria are outpacing the reality" of the situation.