Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

New Variants/Strains

People in NYC have tested positive for five 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. B.1.427 and B.1.429, both first identified in California, and the P.1 variant, first identified in Brazil, have also been identified in NYC.

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 Variants in NYC

As of May 4, the B.1.1.7 variant has been reported in 3,745 people in NYC, up from 3,667 reported cases in the April 27 data release.

Genomic sequencing of a subset of virus specimens taken from NYC residents during the week starting April 19 found an estimated 41.5% were B.1.1.7.

• Data on COVID-19 Cases Caused by SARS-CoV-2 Variants (PDF, May 4)
  • Previous Variant Data Reports
• SARS-CoV-2 Variants: An Overview of Data and What We Know (PDF)
• 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

All New Yorkers 16 years of age and older are now eligible to be vaccinated. People who live outside of the state but work or study in New York are also eligible to get vaccinated.

Learn more about the vaccines and how they are being distributed in NYC.