COVID-19 is a severe respiratory syndrome and infectious disease. Its symptoms include but are not limited to fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell. However, not all people have symptoms when they have COVID-19.
Know how it spreads:
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly 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, sneezes or talks.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and commonly include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
This list is not all inclusive. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Older adults may show confusion or disorientation and experience falls.
Testing
All New Yorkers should get tested for COVID-19, whether or not you have symptoms or are at increased risk.
Find the closest testing site near you.
You should get tested now if you have symptoms – regardless of age, chronic conditions or occupation – and then stay home.
Antibody Testing
Antibodies are proteins in your blood that fight infections. The COVID-19 antibody test is a blood test to find antibodies. The test is taken through a finger prick or blood draw. A positive test for antibodies is not necessarily an indication of immunity.
You should get an antibody test if you:
DON'T have COVID-19 symptoms
HAVEN'T been sick in the last two weeks
HAVEN'T tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks
DON'T have COVID-19 symptoms
HAVEN'T been sick in the last two weeks
HAVEN'T tested positive for COVID-19 in the last two weeks
Why should you get tested?
You'll know if you had COVID-19.
You'll help develop research for vaccines and other ways to fight the virus.
Where can I get tested?
In Queens
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Woodside
50-53 Newtown Road
Woodside, NY 11377
M-F: 9 am - 3:30 pm
How long do results take?
Results take about 24 hours for antibody testing at NYC Health + Hospitals and the Gotham Community Health Center sites.
Do I need insurance?
No, antibody testing is FREE at NYC Health + Hospitals acute care facilities and the Gotham Community Health Center sites.
Privacy
All your information is confidential.
Stay Safe
Wash Your Hands Often
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid Close Contact
Inside your home: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
Outside your home: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. The mask is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
Clean and Disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
Monitor Your Health
Daily
Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
Face Coverings
People that have no symptoms can still spread COVID-19.
A face covering or mask can help prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
A state order requires everyone to wear a face covering when outside their home if unable to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
It is strongly recommend wearing a face covering as much as possible when you are with other people in an indoor setting that is not your home, even if 6 feet of distance can be maintained.
A well-secured paper or cloth that covers your nose and mouth. Examples include: a bandana or scarf.
Care Instructions
Cloth face covering: Wash once a day by hand or machine using detergent. Wear only when dry.
Paper face covering: Reusable until it becomes damaged, dirty, or wet.
New York City will continue distributing face coverings in parks, DOE Grab & Go meal sites, NYCHA buildings, some Mitchell-Lama buildings, grocery stores, and during social distancing enforcement.
Mental Health & Wellness
Take care of your mental health
You may experience increased stress during this pandemic. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.
NYC Well
An infectious illness outbreak such as this one can be stressful to 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. To reduce your stress and to manage the situation more resiliently, try to remain positive, remind yourself of your strengths, connect with friends and loved ones and use healthy coping skills. NYC Well's website offers a number of well-being and emotional support applications (apps) that can help you cope.
If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, reach out for support and help. You can contact NYC Well, a confidential 24/7 helpline, staffed by trained counselors. They can provide brief counseling and referrals to care in over 200 languages.
Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355)
Text "WELL" to 65173
Chat at NYC.gov/nycwell
Connect with a counselor.
Find support for domestic violence survivors.
Get tips and information about coping and emotional well-being
New York State is partnering with Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness and meditation, to offer free meditation and mindfulness content for all New Yorkers as a mental health resource for residents coping with the unprecedented public health crisis. New Yorkers can access a collection of science-backed, evidence-based guided meditations, along with at-home mindful workouts, sleep and kids content to help address rising stress and anxiety at www.headspace.com/ny.
Call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
Get Help Immediately
If you experience significant changes in your energy level, eating patterns, or sleeping patterns, difficulty concentrating on normal tasks, prolonged and overwhelming worry and hopelessness, or thoughts of self-injury or suicide, seek immediate help at the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1- 800-273-TALK (8255), text Got5 to 741741. 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat
Call 911
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
The Eldercare Locator online: 1-800-677-1116 TTY Instructions
Veteran’s Crisis Line 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255
Find a health care provider or treatment for substance use disorder and mental health
SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY 1-800-487-4889
Treatment Services Locator Website
Interactive Map of Selected Federally Qualified Health Centers
Resources for Queens Residents
Food
FoodHelp NYC
Map of free food resources across the city, including food pantries and Grab & Go meals at NYC Schools, available for all children or adults in need.
ACCESS HRA
To sign up for SNAP benefits or cash assistance from home.
HelpNowNYC
For ways to donate food, cash, or supplies to those in need.
NYC Food Delivery Assistance
If you cannot go out to get food, no one can bring you food, and you are not able to use private delivery options, New York City will deliver emergency meals to you in the coming days. Check your eligibility and sign up.
Employment and jobs
Find a job
Sign up for unemployment
Learn about paid sick leave
Rent and housing
Find out about emergency cash assistance for rent.
Get help paying for heat and utilities.
Find resources and information for people with disabilities.
Learn more about resources for children and families.
Learn more about resources for older New Yorkers.
Resources for SMBs & Nonprofits
New York City will reopen in phases when the region has met all seven metrics outlined by the Governor's Office, as well as the three additional metrics outlined by the Mayor's Office.
Phase One | Phase Two | Phase Three | Phase Four
If you are unclear which phase your business is included in, you can use this tool to check. These guidelines and requirements may change, so please check the New York Forward site regularly.
If you have any questions, you can call their hotline, 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).
You can also visit nycsmallbizcourses.eventbrite.com and search "Reopening Guidelines" to sign up for an upcoming webinar to learn about State requirements, recommendations, and resources available to help businesses reopen in NYC.
Download the Reopening Guidelines Webinars flyer and share with other businesses.
View and download a copy of the presentation here:
NYC Means Business: Guidelines for Reopening Your Business in NYC
Download the outreach flyer and share with other businesses:
Small business support
Read guidance and FAQs for business owners.
Find out when and how you can safely reopen your non-essential business.
Get hiring assistance for essential service businesses.
Get assistance for your grocery store business and workers.
Get free face coverings for you and your employees.
Sign up to receive updates from the Department of Small Business Services.
Non-profit support
See up-to-date guidance for City-funded providers.
Receive health guidance for businesses and other facilities.
Where to Get Help
When to seek emergency medical attention
Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
What to Do If You Are Sick
If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider.
Keep track of your symptoms.
If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately.
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care
- Stay home. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
- Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
- Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
- Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people
As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a mask.
- Additional guidance is available for those living in close quarters and shared housing.
- See COVID-19 and Animals if you have questions about pets.
Monitor your symptoms
- Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, or other symptoms.
- Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department. Your local health authorities may give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.
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