COVID-19

Winter Surge in Cases

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain high in NYC and nationwide, largely due to the spread of the more contagious omicron variant. There is some evidence this variant may be less likely to cause severe illness if you are fully vaccinated and boosted, but any case of COVID-19 can lead to difficult symptoms, hospitalization and long-term health effects.

This winter’s surge impacts us all, including people who are vaccinated and those who were previously infected. Everyone is at risk of infection, but unvaccinated people are significantly more likely to have severe illness from COVID-19, including from omicron.

• Get vaccinated and a booster shot today.
• Omicron Variant: NYC Report for January 13, 2022 (PDF)
• Winter COVID-19 Surge Guidance for New Yorkers (PDF)
• Winter 2022 COVID-19 Surge Guidance for Employers (PDF)

If You Have COVID-19

Whether you took an at-home rapid antigen test or a more reliable molecular (PCR) test, assume a positive test result means you have COVID-19 and isolate immediately. Contact your health care provider or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319) to be linked to care.

Here are your next steps after you talk to a provider:

1. Tell people you may have exposed so they can get tested and separate from others.
2. Isolate at home for at least five days. After five days, most people can leave home if they do not have symptoms or their symptoms are improving and they have not had a fever in the last 24 hours. They must wear a well-fitting mask around other people for six to 10 days.
3. If you are a health care worker, talk to your employer about whether you can return to work after five days.

If you develop trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, confusion, inability to stay awake, bluish lips or face, or any other emergency condition, call 911 immediately.

• NEW: What to Do if You Are Sick with COVID-19
• Fact Sheet: What to Do If You Have COVID-19 (PDF)
• COVID-19 Testing: At-home Testing (PDF)

Fight the Spread

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following the guidance in the Commissioner’s latest advisory on COVID-19 prevention (PDF, December 16):

• Get vaccinated and a booster shot. Visit the NYC COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Finder or call 877-VAX4NYC (877-829-4692).


• Avoid crowded indoor spaces and large gatherings. It is especially important to avoid nonessential gatherings if you are an older adult or have a health condition that increases your risk of severe COVID-19.


• When you are indoors, wear a higher-grade mask or respirator, such as a KN95 or KF94, or a cloth mask over a disposable mask. If you do not have a higher-grade mask, it is still important to wear whatever mask you can.
  • When outside, unvaccinated people should wear a mask everywhere and vaccinated people should be masked in crowded outdoor spaces
  • FAQs About Masks (PDF)
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• Get tested regularly. Testing is especially important if you have COVID-19 symptoms or were recently in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, and before and after traveling or gathering with others.
  • Visit COVID-19 Testing Locations or text "COVID TEST" to 855-48
  • NYC Health + Hospital sites offering testing at no cost to you