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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

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Icon showing people in window of building, staying home. Text reads: Stay home to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Recent Guidance and Tools

New Yorkers must stay home as much as possible. If you have mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, you do not need to call 911 and should isolate yourself at home immediately. After three to four days, if you still feel sick, contact your health care provider.

If you have any of the following symptoms, go to an emergency room or call 911:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to stay awake
  • Blue lips or face

This is not a complete list. If you are concerned you may be experiencing a medical emergency, contact your provider immediately or call 911.

New Guidance on Face Coverings

People who do not show symptoms may still be able to spread COVID-19. A face covering can help prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to other people, so you should wear one whenever you leave the home.

A face covering can include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including dust masks, scarves and bandanas. Do not use health care worker masks, as those must be preserved for people in the health care system.

Even if you have a face covering, continue to stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with other people.

COVID-19 Engagement Portal

New Yorkers who have symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19, have come into contact with someone who may have COVID-19 or are currently in quarantine can update the City on their status.

Social Distancing Rules in New York State

An order from the Governor requires every New Yorker to stay at home from work, unless they are an essential worker. All non-essential businesses that are normally open to the public must remain closed. Bars and restaurants may provide takeout. All non-essential gatherings of any size for any reason are banned.

The police may issue fines to anyone they see in public not following these rules.

Animals

Currently, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, are contributing to the COVID-19 outbreak. Some animals can get infected, such as dogs and cats, but there are no reports of them spreading the virus.

Learn how you can keep your pets safe during the outbreak and how to be prepared in case you get sick.

Fact Sheet and Data


Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from mild diseases, such as a cold, to more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia. Recently, a new coronavirus was detected that had not been previously seen in humans. The disease, called COVID-19, can be spread from person to person.

There is widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in New York City, meaning the sources of new infections are unknown. Everyone in New York City should act as if they have been exposed to COVID-19. That means you should monitor your health closely and stay home. Only go out for essential supplies and services, such as groceries or urgent medical care.

Staying home will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and will protect others from becoming critically ill and dying. Staying home also protects essential workers, including health care providers and retail workers, who must continue to work. Essential workers need to stay healthy to continue to provide services, such as caring for the sick and keeping groceries and food available.

How You Can Help

We greatly appreciate any support you can offer to help the City's COVID-19 relief efforts. Learn more about the different ways you can contribute:

To find other ways to help New Yorkers affected by COVID-19, or to find COVID-19 related assistance, visit Help Now.

Recent Press Releases

Additional Resources