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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

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Plane, train, car and bus. Text reads: Stay safe, stay home! Do not travel this holiday season.

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Advisory to Older New Yorkers and People With Underlying Health Conditions

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing rapidly in New York City. Adults over 65 and people with underlying health conditions that put them at increased risk of severe COVID-19, and household members and caregivers of these people should:

  • Limit activities outside your home, except leaving home to travel to work or school, or for essential purposes including medical care, grocery shopping or pharmacy necessities
  • Avoid public spaces and gatherings
  • Stay home if sick except for medical care, including testing for COVID-19
  • Wear a face covering at all times indoors and outdoors, including when around members of their own household who have been exposed to COVID-19, are showing symptoms of the virus or frequently interact with the public

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

Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines may not be available to the general public until mid-2021.

Check our new COVID-19 Vaccines webpage to stay up to date about what we know — and what we are still learning — about the vaccines.


There is increasing transmission of COVID-19 in New York City and widespread transmission across the United States and in many other countries.

Getting Together Safely

In addition to following our general COVID-19 prevention guidance, stay cautious when you meet up with friends. Avoid indoor activities and stay away from big groups by sticking to a core group of friends and family — your pandemic "social bubble."

Here are some more tips to help you stay safe as you move about the city.

icon of an airplane

When you travel:

  • Traveling right now puts you, your family and your community at risk of getting sick and spreading the virus to other people. The safest option is to not travel if you can avoid it.
  • If you must travel, plan ahead, take precautions and be prepared to quarantine when you return.

Traveling During COVID-19 (PDF)
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한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano| Polski | العربية | Français | ײִדיש | اردو | ελληνικά

Traveling During COVID-19 Flyer (PDF)
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icon of a snowflake

When you celebrate the holidays:

  • Do not travel, gather in groups, or host or attend a holiday party. Only celebrate with household members in person.
  • Enjoy safer holiday activities, such as virtual parties, baking cookies and outdoor gatherings.

Tips for a Safer Holiday Season (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano| Polski | العربية | Français | ײִדיש | اردو | ελληνικά


icon of dumbell

When you go to the gym:

  • Wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth at all times. Bandanas, buffs and gaiters are not acceptable face coverings while at the gym.
  • Refrain from socializing. Keep at least 6 feet away from other gym-goers.

icon of plate and utensils

When you eat out:

  • Do not wait. Make a reservation, check out the menu online and do whatever else you can to avoid long wait times before you get a table and order.
  • Keep your face covering on at all times when you are not eating and drinking.

icon of shopping bags

When you shop:

  • Use hand sanitizer when entering the store, after touching products and after leaving the store.
  • Only touch products you intend to buy, and use contactless payment methods whenever possible.

Download Guidance for Getting Together


Prevention: Most Important Steps

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Stay home if you are sick
Only leave for essential medical care or other essential errands.



icon showing 6 feet of distance

Keep physical distance
Stay at least 6 feet away from other people.


icon of hands washing

Keep your hands clean
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.


icon of a face covering

Wear a face covering
You can be contagious without symptoms. Protect those around you by wearing a face covering.


icon of a covid-19 testing kit

Get Tested
All New Yorkers should get a COVID-19 virus (diagnostic) test, whether or not they have symptoms or are at increased risk. Tests are free. Look for a testing site near you.

Get Medical Care

Do not delay getting the medical care you need. Contact your provider quickly about any new symptoms you are feeling, whether or not you think they may be related to COVID-19.

You should also go to routine check-ups and screenings, and get scheduled vaccinations for you and your children. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911.

More Information About COVID-19 in NYC

Additional Resources