Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

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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.

• If you are a health care provider, see our Information for Providers page.


• If you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, call 311 or file a complaint online.
  • NYC Protections Based on Immigration Status and National Origin (PDF)
    Other Languages: Español


• If you are planning any travel outside the U.S., visit CDC's Travelers' Health webpage for the latest travel notices.

Symptoms, Chronic Health Risks

Symptoms of COVID-19 commonly include fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath. Most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms and fully recover without complications. Less commonly, COVID-19 may lead to pneumonia, hospitalization or death.

People who are at most risk for severe illness are adults ages 50 or older, or those who have chronic health conditions, such as:

• Lung disease
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• A weakened immune system

Prevention

There are no vaccines available for COVID-19. However, medicine and vaccine research is underway. The precautions described below can help you stay healthy.

You generally do not need to wear a face mask if you are not feeling sick. You should wear a mask if you are instructed to do so by your health care provider. Otherwise, face masks need to be reserved for the health care system.

Daily Activities

• Stay home. All New Yorkers — healthy or sick — must stay home. You should only leave your home for essential tasks, such as work (if you work for an essential business or entity), getting groceries and supplies or essential medical care. You may also leave for solitary exercise. Try to use delivery services when possible.
  • When you must go out for essential tasks or solitary exercise, keep at least six feet of distance between yourself and others.


• Wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds every time, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.


• Do not touch your face unless you recently washed your hands.


• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands.


• Do not shake hands. Instead, wave.


• Information on Safer Sex During Coronavirus (PDF, March 21)

If You Are Sick, Stay Home

• If you are sick, stay home at all times. If you do not feel better in three to four days, consult your health care provider. Call, text, use telemedicine or use your patient portal to contact your physician.


• Do not go to the emergency department or other places to seek health care if you are not severely ill. Stay home and keep health care access available for others with more severe illness.


• If you need help getting medical care, call 311. You can get care in NYC regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.


• You can leave your home when all of the following are true:
  • It has been seven days after your symptoms started.
  • You have not had a fever for three days without the use of fever-reducing drugs.
  • Your cough or sore throat symptoms have improved.

Self-Monitoring and Getting Tested

While at home, all New Yorkers should monitor their health. Self-monitoring means you check yourself for fever and remain alert for COVID-19 symptoms — fever, cough, shortness of breath and sore throat.

If you think you have COVID-19 and your illness is mild, you do not need to see your health care provider and you will not be tested. Getting tested will not change what your provider will tell you to do to get better. They will tell you to stay home so you do not get others sick.

Unless you are hospitalized and a diagnosis will impact your care, you will not be tested. Limiting testing protects health care workers and saves essential medical supplies, such as masks and gloves, that are in short supply.

When to Consult with Your Health Care Provider

You should contact your provider if you have fever, cough, shortness of breath or other cold or flu-like symptoms and do not feel better after three to four days. Reach out to your provider by phone or online rather than going to them in person.

Your provider will decide if you need to go for medical care.

If you need help finding a health care provider, call 311.

Get Help for Stress, Mental Health

This outbreak may be stressful for you, your loved ones and your friends. It is natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious and afraid, or to experience other symptoms of distress, such as trouble sleeping.

If symptoms of stress become overwhelming, you can connect with trained counselors at
NYC Well, a free and confidential mental health support service.

• Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks (PDF, March 19)
  Other Languages: 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Español

NYC Public School Buildings Closed

New York City public schools are moving toward a new Remote Learning Model for all school days until Spring Recess.

• More information on NYC public schools

Guidance for Schools, Businesses and Facilities

In addition to taking steps to protect yourself, learn how you can help keep COVID-19 from spreading in the following types of public facilities in your community:

• Department of Education (K-12)
• Coronavirus FAQ for Faith Leaders (PDF, March 22)
• General Cleaning/Disinfection Guidance for Non-Health Care Settings (PDF, March 22)
• Institutes of Higher Education Guidance (PDF, March 20)
• Congregate Settings Guidance (PDF, March 19)
• Residential Buildings Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, March 17)
• Nonprofit Business Continuity Guidance (PDF, March 15)
  • Guidance for COVID-19 Streamlining Practices (PDF, March 20)
  • Letter to Human Service Provider Partners (PDF, March 18)
  • Nonprofit Contract, Budget and Finance Guidance (PDF, March 14)
• Business and Non-Health Care Settings Guidance (PDF, March 13)

For more information and guidance on these topics, see CDC's Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities webpage.

Learn how businesses with the ability to source or make products to support the COVID-19 response can help.

Unemployment Resources

Additional Resources for COVID-19