What New Yorkers Need to Know About the Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause either mild illness, such as a cold, or can make people sick with pneumonia.
If you are a medical provider, see our 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) — Information for Providers page.
If you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, call 311 to report discrimination or harassment to the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
2019 Novel Coronavirus
Recently, a novel (new) coronavirus was detected. A “novel coronavirus” is a strain that has not been previously seen in humans. The disease, called COVID-19, can be spread from person to person.
People have been diagnosed with this novel coronavirus in New York City (see up-to-date case count). New York City is seeing “community transmission,” meaning the source of the infection is unknown.
There are no specific vaccines or treatments available for this novel coronavirus, or any other coronavirus. However, medication and vaccine research is underway.
If you are planning any travel outside the U.S., visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health webpage for the latest travel notices.
Symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough or shortness of breath. An infection can result in death, but that is a rare outcome. Most people with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms. People who are at most risk for severe illness are those who have health conditions including:
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- A weakened immune system
Prevention
As of March 2020, the Health Department recommends the following precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Stay home if you are sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing — do not use your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
- Do not shake hands. Instead, wave or elbow bump.
- If you have family or friends who are elderly, have compromised immune systems or chronic respiratory or coronary issues, do not visit them if you feel sick. Stay home and keep your loved ones safe.
- Consider telecommuting, biking or walking to work if possible.
- Consider staggering working hours. For example, instead of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., change some work hours to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or disinfecting wipes.
- Get your flu shot. Although the flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu which has similar symptoms to this coronavirus.
Health Care and Testing
If you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath and traveled to an area where COVID-19 is spreading, or you have had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, call your health care provider. Your provider will work with the Health Department to determine if you need testing.
If you need help finding a health care provider, call 311.
Case Count in NYC
Testing to determine whether the pending cases are confirmed as positive or negative can take hours or days, depending on what lab performs the test.
As of March 9, 2020, at 10:30 a.m.:
People Under Investigation in NYC | |
---|---|
Positive | |
Negative | |
Pending | |
Total |
*This count includes one non-NYC resident tested and treated in NYC.
Additional Resources for Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Cover Your Cough (PDF)
Other Languages: 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Español | 한국어 | Русский | Kreyòl ayisyen | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | ײִדיש | العربية | Français | اردو - Wash Your Hands Poster for Adults (PDF)
Other Languages: 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Español | Русский | Kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | ײִדיש | العربية | Français | اردو | - Commissioner’s Order To Test Educators, First Responders and Health Care Workers for COVID-19 (PDF, March 5)
- Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (PDF)
Recent News
March 8, 2020
Mayor de Blasio Provides Updates on New York City’s COVID-19 Response
March 7, 2020
Mayor de Blasio Provides Updates on New York City’s COVID-19 Response
March 5, 2020
Mayor de Blasio Provides Updates on New York City’s COVID-19 Response
March 4, 2020
Mayor de Blasio Updates New Yorkers on City’s COVID-19 Preparedness