Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

New Variants/Strains

People in NYC have tested positive for two variants of concern of the virus that causes COVID-19. These variants are more transmissible than other variants and may cause more severe illness.

One variant — called B.1.1.7 — was first reported in the U.K. and has been found in other countries and U.S. states. The second variant recently found in NYC — B.1.351 — was first reported in South Africa.

Preliminary studies suggest that vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. will provide protection against these variants. Additional studies are ongoing.

NYC will continue 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.

Data on B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 Variants in NYC

As of February 24, the B.1.1.7 variant has been reported in 116 people in NYC, up from 58 reported cases in the previous week.

Genomic sequencing of a subset of virus specimens taken from NYC residents during the week starting February 15 found an estimated 7.9% were B.1.1.7.

There have been two identified cases of COVID-19 caused by the B.1.351 variant in NYC residents.

• Data on COVID-19 Cases Caused by SARS-CoV-2 Variants (PDF, February 28)
  • Previous Variant Data Reports
• CDC: About Variants of the Virus that Causes COVID-19​​

Updated Face Covering Guidance

You can get better protection by wearing two masks (a cloth mask over a disposable mask), which improves the fit and adds layers. If you are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, consider using a single higher-grade mask, such as a KN95.

• How to Wear Two Face Coverings (PDF)
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Learn more about how to wear and handle face masks.

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.
• 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

Three 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.