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COVID-19: Alert Level

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Image of coronavirus cell, colored red, surrounded by circles of orange, yellow and green. Text: “Do you know NYC’s COVID-19 Alert Level?” Box, pointing to orange circle, states: “Current Level: High”.

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High Alert: Wear a Mask Indoors

The Alert Level has been raised to High.

The NYC Health Commissioner now advises all New Yorkers to wear a mask in any public indoor setting. People who are older than 65 or otherwise at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should also wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings and avoid gatherings when possible.

These heightened precautions will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep more New Yorkers out of the hospital while community spread of COVID-19 remains high.


The COVID-19 Alert Levels reflect COVID-19 transmission and health care capacity in the city. You can determine what precautions you need to take and how to best protect yourself and others based on each level.

Guidance During High Alert Level

At this time, follow these prevention tips:

  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines: Get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines are available for everyone ages 5 and older. Booster doses are available for everyone 12 and older.

  • Wear a face mask in all public indoor settings and crowded outdoor settings. Upgrade to higher-quality masks, including KN95, KF94, N95, or a cloth mask on top of a surgical mask. Higher-quality masks will most benefit people who are at high risk of severe illness, are over 65 or are unvaccinated.

  • Consider avoiding higher-risk activities. Do not go to crowded, indoor gatherings. Limit any type of gathering to a small number of people.

  • Get tested. Testing is especially important if you have COVID-19 symptoms or were recently in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. You should also get tested before and after traveling or getting together with others.

  • Stay home if sick or recently exposed. Follow all isolation and quarantine guidance, including wearing a face mask. COVID-19 is highly contagious. You can spread COVID-19 even if you do not have symptoms.

  • Wash your hands. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer.

The Health Department is following CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels and will adjust our guidance based on their criteria.

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