Stony Brook University professor stuck in China amid coronavirus outbreak

A Stony Brook University professor is currently trapped in the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak in China.

Authorities have not released the professor's name, but Sen. Charles Schumer says officials are trying to arrange a flight home for the man.

"We're all working to arrange a flight home for him ASAP," said Schumer. "We think he's fine right now but he wants to get out of there as quick and possible and we want to get him out of there as quick as possible."

The professor was visiting family in Wuhan at the time of the viral outbreak.

The city has since been locked down.

In a statement Stony Brook University said, "Upon return to the United States, our employee will follow CDC quarantine protocols."

Stony Brook students say the university sent them an email Monday warning them about the coronavirus.

Schumer wants the coronavirus to be declared a public health emergency so the CDC can access federal funds to combat the virus.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says nine people in New York have been tested for the coronavirus. Four tested negative and five more results are pending.