Positive for coronavirus, Chris Cuomo opens up about 'tightness in my chest' on CNN

The 49-year-old brother of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced in a tweet earlier in the day he tested positive for COVID-19 after being exposed to people who are infected. 

But by showtime it was back to business for Cuomo, who broadcasted his CNN show "Cuomo Prime Time" from his basement Tuesday via webcam.

"Tonight’s show is going to be a little different, but priority remains," Cuomo opened his show. "I feel fine. I’m able to do the show, but you do not want this."

Cuomo opened up about the coronavirus symptoms he's experiencing, including shortness of breath, but said his inability to be with his loved ones is "hurting me way more than anything a virus can."

"I don’t know if the tightness in my chest is a function of the virus or because I’m so pissed off at myself that I’m not able to take care of (my family)," he said. 

Cuomo added, "I’m not able to be there for my family right now in the way that I want to be. I still have to see if I got any of them sick. You can understand how sickening that is to me as a husband and a father."
 

“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,” says @chriscuomo. “That face is mine. I tested positive.” pic.twitter.com/NmkAyAx9KW

— Cuomo Prime Time (@CuomoPrimeTime) April 1, 2020

Although he has the coronavirus, Cuomo said he’s "hesitant to talk about me, because who cares." He added, "This is so small compared to what so many are facing."

During the broadcast he pleaded with Americans to continue practicing social distancing to flatten the curve and debunked a common myth held by many who think they are immune to the virus. 

"Let me be proof. We have real vulnerability," he said. "You're not too strong. Do not act that way. But show that vulnerability by what you do for yourself and for others."

On Twitter earlier Tuesday, Cuomo revealed about his diagnosis: "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. I have been exposed to people in recent days who have subsequently tested positive and I had fever, 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," he continued. 

Cuomo concluded on a positive note: "We will all beat this by being smart and tough and united!"
 

pic.twitter.com/e9Ym9jeT2R

— Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) March 31, 2020

Speaking of his brother, Governor Cuomo said in a press conference Tuesday Chris Cuomo "is going to be fine."

"Even for essential workers, people have to be careful. Again, I've been trying to communicate that everyone – everyone – is subject to this virus," the governor said. "This virus is the great equalizer. My brother, Chris, is positive for coronavirus. Found out this morning. Now, he is going to be fine. He's young, in good shape, strong – not as strong as he thinks – he will be fine. But there's a lesson in this. He's an essential worker, a member of the press, so he's been out there. If you go out there, the chance that you'll get infected is very high."

Cuomo says his brother “is going to be fine.”

He said he’s young and strong, but jokes not as much as he thinks.

Chris will be quarantined in his basement and worried about his kids.

“He’s my best friend,” the governor said. pic.twitter.com/gmsIi9Qao8

— Joseph Spector (@GannettAlbany) March 31, 2020

"He's just worried about his daughter and his kids and he hopes he didn't get them infected," the governor said. "You don't really know Chris – you see Chris on his show at night … but you just see one dimension.

"You see a person in his job. And in his job, he's combative and he's argumentative and he's pushing people. But that's his job. That's not who he is," the governor continued.

"He's a really sweet, beautiful guy. And he's my best friend. My father was always working, so it was always just me and Chris," the governor said, adding his brother joked to him this morning that "even the dogs won’t come downstairs."

The governor also tweeted Tuesday about to younger brother: "Stay strong little brother … If anyone is #NewYorkTough it’s you."

The governor added that two weeks ago the brothers disagreed over Chris Cuomo having their mother over at his home: "Love needs be a little smarter than reactive."  

Chris Cuomo was most recently at CNN's offices in the Hudson Yards neighborhood of New York City last Friday, CNN confirmed Tuesday.

USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Cuomo for comment.