CNN host Chris Cuomo, brother of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo tests positive for Coronavirus

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo revealed on Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Announcing his diagnosis on social media, the 49-year-old said that he is doing well and will continue to anchor his program Cuomo Prime Time from the basement in his home, where he is currently quarantined. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirmed his brother's positive test result during Tuesday's daily briefing, presenting the deeply personal news as a warning to those who are yet to take the pandemic and the required social distancing guidelines seriously.

"Sooooo in these difficult times that seem to get more difficult and complicated by the day, I just found out that I am positive for coronavirus," Chris Cuomo wrote in a message on Twitter. "I have been exposed to people in recent days who have subsequently tested positive and I had fevers, chills and shortness of breath. I just hope I didn't give it to the kids and Cristina. That would make me feel worse than this illness! I am quarantined in my basement (which actually makes the rest of the family seem pleased!) I will do my shows from here. We will all beat this by being smart and tough and united!"

Speaking of his brother's situation during his daily briefing with the media, Gov. Cuomo highlighted the importance of social distancing and following the measures suggested by experts. According to CBS New York, he said: "There’s a lesson in this. He’s an essential worker, a member of the press, so he’s been out there. [But] If you go out there the chance that you get infected is very high. You want to go out and act stupid for yourself, that’s one thing. But your stupid actions, don’t just affect you. You come home, you can affect, in fact, someone else. And you can cause a serious illness or even death for them by your actions. And people have to really get this and internalize it because it can happen to anyone."

The governor revealed that the family had found out about his brother's diagnosis on Tuesday morning. "Everyone is subject to this virus. It is the great equalizer... My brother Chris is positive for Coronavirus. Found out this morning. He is going to be fine. He’s young, in good shape, strong, not as strong as he thinks, but he will be fine," he said. "I spoke to him this morning and he’s going to be quarantined in his basement at home." According to CNBC, Gov. Cuomo also revealed that he'd had "a situation with Christopher" after learning that his brother had their mother, Matilda Cuomo, over to his house. "I said that is a mistake. She's older, and she's healthy, but I said, 'You can’t have mom at the house,'" he said at the press conference.

"Love, sometimes, needs to be a little smarter than just reactive," the governor added. "It’s my family, it’s your family, it’s all of our families. This virus is that insidious, and we have to keep that in mind. Keep in mind Matilda’s Law, remember who is vulnerable here and protect them." The 62-year-old spoke fondly of his younger brother during the daily briefing, calling him his best friend and explaining that the CNN anchor isn't what many perceive him to be based on what they see on TV. "You just see one dimension. That’s not really who he is. He’s a really sweet, beautiful guy. And he’s my best friend," he said.

"Now he’s quarantined in the basement. But he’s funny as heck. He says to me, 'Even the dogs won’t come downstairs,'" Gov. Cuomo said with a laugh. Chris addressed his diagnosis on Cuomo Prime Time Tuesday night, saying: "We do not have the testing data to make real sense of our reality beyond what we know is the face of coronavirus for an overwhelming number who get sick. That face is mine. I tested positive. Scary, yes, as you might imagine. But better me than you."