NOTE: Clicking on anything red on this page will take you to another destination on the web, for more information on COVID-19.

As noted by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause either mild illness, such as a cold, or can make people sick with pneumonia. Recently, a novel (new) coronavirus was detected in thousands of people worldwide, primarily in China. The infection, called COVID-19, can be spread from person to person. A “novel coronavirus” is a strain that has not been previously found in humans.

Four people have been diagnosed with this novel coronavirus in New York City (see up-to-date case count). The risk to New Yorkers of contracting this novel coronavirus is still low. If you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath, and traveled to an area where COVID-19 is spreading, call or go to your health care provider. Your provider will work with the Health Department to determine if you need COVID-19 testing.

There are no specific vaccines or treatments available for this novel coronavirus, or any other coronavirus. However, medication and vaccine research is underway.

If you are planning any travel outside the US, visit CDC’s Travelers’ Health webpage for the latest travel health notices.

At this point, the City is encouraging New Yorkers to go about their daily lives, but to take the same precautions you normally would during cold and flu season. For more information, visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene by clicking here.

–Get your flu shot – it’s not too late. Although the flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu, which has similar symptoms to this coronavirus.

–Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing—do not use your hands.

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

–Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.

–Stay at home if you do not feel well.

–Additionally, at this point New Yorkers do not need to: Limit travel within the city; Avoid public gatherings and public transportation; Change anything about where you get your food or how you prepare it; Wear a face mask if you are not sick.

Face masks are only recommended if directed by a health care provider. People wear protective face masks for many reasons, including seasonal allergies, pollution, or protecting those around them from a common cold. They should not be harassed or targeted for wearing one.

For additional information about the coronavirus, including symptoms and prevention and an up-to-date case count in New York City, please visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus.

Additional resources:

• NYC Department of Education Coronavirus Webpage
• World Health Organization – Coronavirus Disease Advice for the Public
• CDC Coronavirus Disease – What You Should Know & Situation Updates

From Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer | So far the Covid-19 virus spreading worldwide has not penetrated deeply into our area, but it will; all the experts say it’s only a matter of time. People ask me and my staff almost daily what they should do—New Yorkers always like to DO something—and I think the wise course of action is to have some provisions in the pantry in case you happen to catch something that lowers your resistance—or the virus itself—and you need to stay home from work. Beyond that, wash your hands frequently—more frequently than you’re used to—keep your hands away from your face, and cover yourself when you cough or sneeze.

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