Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need to Know
What is Coronavirus?
• Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause mild illnesses like a cold, to more serious illnesses like pneumonia.
• A novel (new) coronavirus is a type of coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
• 2019 novel coronavirus is a new type of coronavirus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness (which affects breathing) called COVID-19.
• COVID-19 infections have now been reported in many countries including the United States. For an updated list of affected areas, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.
What are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?
• Commonly reported symptoms include fever, cough or shortness of breath.
• Most people with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms. People who are at most risk for severe illness are those who have other health conditions, including chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a weakened immune system.
How Does Coronavirus Spread?
• The virus is likely to be spread from person to person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Who is Most at Risk for Coronavirus?
• People who are at most risk for severe illness are elderly or have other health conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system.
How Can I Protect Myself and Others from Coronavirus?
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands. • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Do not shake hands. Instead wave or elbow bump.
• Monitor your heath more closely than usual for cold or flu symptoms.
• Get the flu shot. Although the flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu which has similar symptoms to this coronavirus.
What Should I do if I Feel Sick?
• Stay home and call your doctor if you have cold or flu symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, fever or sore throat.
• If you do not feel better in 24-48 hours, seek care from your doctor.
• Avoid going out in public. Do not go to school or to work until you have been fever-free for at least 72 hours without the use of fever reducing drugs like Tylenol or ibuprofen.
The NYC Health Department may change recommendations as the situation evolves. 3.8.20
• If you need help getting medical care, call 311.
• NYC will provide care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
• Hospital staff will not ask about immigration status. Receiving health care is not a public benefit
identified by the public charge test.
Is it Safe to Attend Large Gatherings?
• If you are sick, stay home.
• If you have chronic lung disease, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or a weakened immune
system, avoid unnecessary events and gatherings.
• If you have no symptoms, it is okay to go to events, but practice good hygiene and remain
vigilant about your health.
• Right now, no large events or public gatherings are cancelled but we are monitoring
developments and will adjust as needed.
What Else Can I Do?
• Help reduce overcrowding.
• Consider telecommuting where possible. Private-sector employers should consider allowing
employees to telecommute if the job allows.
• The City is also asking private-sector employers to consider staggered work hours. For example,
instead of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., consider changing some work hours to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 8 a.m. to
4 p.m.
• Walk or bike to work, if you can.
• When taking the subway, if the train is too packed, be patient and wait for the next one.
• If you have family or friends who have a chronic health condition, do not visit them if you feel
sick.
What Should I Do about Harassment or Discrimination Related to Coronavirus?
• It is important to separate facts from fear and guard against stigma. A lot of information
circulating about coronavirus on social media and in some news reporting is not based in the
facts.
• Support your friends, neighbors and colleagues by sharing this fact sheet to counter
misinformation. Obtain information from trusted sources like the NYC Health Department.
• If you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other identities, call 311 to report
discrimination or harassment to the NYC Commission on Human Rights.
• If you are experiencing stress or feeling anxious, contact NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-
9355) or text “WELL” to 65173. NYC Well is a confidential help line that is staffed 24/7 by trained
counselors who can provide brief supportive therapy, crisis counseling, and connections to
behavioral health treatment, in more than 200 languages.
Where Can I Get More Information?
• For real-time updates, text COVID to 692-692. Messages and data rates may apply. Check your
wireless provider plan for details.
• Visit nyc.gov/coronavirus for additional resources and information.