New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced Monday evening that he would direct state health insurers to waive fees related to coronavirus testing in the state amid fears of an outbreak in the U.S.

In a series of tweets, Cuomo wrote that cost should not be a barrier for New Yorkers receiving screenings for the novel form of coronavirus behind an outbreak that began in China and has since killed more than 3,000 people worldwide, infecting tens of thousands more.

"I am announcing a new directive requiring NY health insurers to waive cost sharing associated with testing for #coronavirus, including emergency room, urgent care and office visits," Cuomo tweeted. "We can't let cost be a barrier to access to COVID-19 testing for any New Yorker."

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"New Yorkers receiving Medicaid coverage will not have to pay a co-pay for any testing related to #coronavirus. Currently all COVID-19 tests being conducted at the State's Wadsworth Lab are fully covered," he added.

New Yorkers receiving Medicaid coverage will not have to pay a co-pay for any testing related to #coronavirus.



Currently all COVID-19 tests being conducted at the State's Wadsworth Lab are fully covered. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 2, 2020

Cuomo's announcement comes a day after the first confirmed case of the coronavirus was reported in New York. Several dozen cases are confirmed in a handful of states, while several people have died in Washington state.