Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

New Variants/Strains

People in NYC have tested positive for a variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 that is more transmissible than other variants and may cause more severe illness.

The new variant — called B.1.1.7 — was first reported in the U.K. and has been found in other countries and U.S. states. Preliminary studies suggest that vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. will provide protection against this variant. Additional studies are ongoing.

NYC is monitoring for strains — types of variants that show meaningful differences in how they function — and other variants that have been identified and reported in New York State, including B.1.351, which was first reported in South Africa.

Data on B.1.1.7 Variant in NYC

As of February 17, the B.1.1.7 variant has been reported in 59 people in NYC.

Genomic sequencing of a subset of virus specimens taken from NYC residents during the week starting February 8 found an estimated 6.2% were B.1.1.7.

• Data on COVID-19 Cases Caused by SARS-CoV-2 Variants (PDF, February 22)
• CDC: About Variants of the Virus that Causes COVID-19​​

New Yorkers Should Limit Activities

The number of new COVID-19 cases in NYC remains high.

All New Yorkers should take steps to prevent COVID-19. People with underlying health conditions, as well as those who live with or care for them, should take special precautions:

• Avoid public spaces and gatherings.
• Wear a face covering at all times, indoors and outdoors. You can get better protection by wearing two masks (a cloth mask over a disposable mask), or by wearing a single higher grade mask, such as a KN95.
  • How to Wear Two Face Coverings (PDF)
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• Do not leave home, except for work, school or essential activities, including medical care, COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or to go to the grocery store or pharmacy.
• If you feel sick, do not leave home except for a COVID-19 test or other essential medical care.

This advisory applies to a wide range of New Yorkers, such as people 65 and older with certain underlying health conditions, such as heart conditions, chronic kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. It also applies to those who live with or care for these people.

Find out if you or someone you know is at a high risk for severe illness and should follow these increased precautions.

• Advisory for New Yorkers at Higher Risk of Severe COVID-19 (PDF)
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Vaccines

Two COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for emergency use, but they may not be available to the general public until mid-2021. Learn more about the vaccines and how they are being distributed in NYC:

• COVID-19 Vaccines main page: Stay up to date about what we know — and what we are still learning — about the vaccines.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Facts
• COVID-19 Vaccine Finder: If you are eligible to receive a vaccination, use our Vaccine Finder to search for a location near you (not accessible with Internet Explorer).
• COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility: Learn which groups are currently eligible for the vaccine.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Data: Find out how many doses have been reserved, delivered and administered in the city.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Providers: Health care providers can get resources and information on vaccine distribution and administration, including how to enroll in the NYC COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
• What New Yorkers Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines (PDF): Download frequently asked questions about the vaccines.
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