Editor’s Note (3/10/20): Since the publication of this article, the patient has tested negative for the new coronavirus.
Rochester General Hospital released the patient being tested for COVID-19 on Thursday. The patient was under isolation at the hospital, according to the Democrat & Chronicle, but now is self-quarantined at home.
Rochester Regional Health Chief Medical Officer Robert Mayo emphasized in a statement given to the Democrat & Chronicle the decision to send home the patient was a collaborative call of the state and county health departments with Rochester General Hospital’s medical team.
“[The patient] did not require additional hospitalization and was discharged home today under the direction of the Health Departments,” read Mayo’s statement. “The patient is now under voluntary quarantine. Testing is in progress.”
The patient came to the emergency department Wednesday morning, according to the Democrat & Chronicle. In a press conference that day, Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Michael Mendoza said the patient presented with symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath — which are similar to COVID-19 symptoms — as well as symptoms for other illnesses.
While Mendoza had initially told reporters on Wednesday details on the results would be known within 48 hours, Rochester Regional Health officials said results are not expected until next week, according to a 13Wham report.
