Coronavirus: Passenger on Delta airline flight in New York was contagious

High-risk individuals have been contacted by the Monroe County Health Department

A passenger on a Delta airline flight from JFK airport to Rochester, New York had coronavirus, a statement from the Monroe County Health Department confirmed.

The flight took off at 4:05am on 14 March and the department believe the passenger was contagious onboard.

The passenger has been self isolated since arrival and high-risk individuals are being contacted to inform them of the situation.

The department used their press release on Wednesday to warn individuals who were on the flight and around the airport that they may be at risk.

"All individuals on Delta flight 4824 on Saturday March 14, and anyone who was in the Greater Rochester International Airport between 5:45 and 6:45pm on Saturday March 14, should monitor for symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath," said their statement.

"They should call their healthcare provider if experiencing these symptoms."

Delta told CNN in a statement that, "with regard to reports of any Covid-19 exposure, we continue to follow all guidelines from the CDC and local health officials."

"The safety and health of our customers and crew remain our top priority."

According to the Covid Tracking Project at their last update, 82,571 had been tested so far in the US.

Some 9,487 cases of the disease have been recorded so far in the US, and 157 deaths.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a two-week ban on gatherings of more than 50 people as part of the battle to contain the spread of the contagion.