New York Governor takes coronavirus test on live TV

Angela Weiss / AFP

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo took a coronavirus test during his televised briefing, in a bid to encourage more people to take the tests.

"I’m not in pain, I’m not in discomfort," he said after a doctor, dressed in PPE, conducted the test. "Closing my eyes was a moment of relaxation. There is no reason why you should not get the test."

Cuomo urged New Yorkers to get tested if they had symptoms or were exposed to the virus.

He added that the screenings had been expanded to include those people who've returned to work, medical and nursing-home personnel.

"We just don't have enough New Yorkers coming to be tested," Cuomo said, urging more people to get screened as parts of the state reopen some non-essential activities.

So far, New York has registered more than 350,000 cases and over 22,000 deaths.

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