What New Yorkers Need to Know Now About COVID-19
As New York City reopens and we leave home more, always keep in mind the “Core Four” actions to prevent COVID-19 transmission:
• Stay home if sick: Monitor your health and stay home if you are sick except for getting essential medical care (including COVID-19 testing) and other essential needs.
• Physical distancing: Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not members of your household.
• Wear a face covering: Protect those around you. Wearing a face covering helps reduce the spread of COVID-19, especially if you are sick and don’t have symptoms. For more information about face
coverings, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus and look for “FAQ About Face Coverings.”
• Practice healthy hand hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available; clean frequently touched surfaces regularly; avoid
touching your face with unwashed hands; and cover your cough or sneeze with your arm, not your hands.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
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- People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some people do not have any symptoms.
- Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with the following symptoms may have COVID-19 (this does not include all possible symptoms):o Feverorchills
o Cough
o Shortnessofbreathordifficultybreathing o Fatigue
o Muscleorbodyaches
o Headache
o Lossoftasteorsmell
o Sorethroat
o Congestionorrunnynose
o Nauseaorvomiting
o Diarrhea - Children have similar symptoms as adults and generally have mild illness. Doctors have identified a rare but serious condition in some children, called multisystem inflammatory systems in children (MIS-C), that is associated with COVID-19. For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus and look for “Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.”
What if I don’t have a health care provider or health insurance?
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- If you need a health care provider, NYC Health + Hospitals welcomes all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
- Visit nychealthandhospitals.org for more information and to search for a health care provider, or call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or 311.
These are difficult times. How can I manage stress and anxiety?
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- It is natural to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious and afraid, or to experience other symptoms of distress, such as trouble sleeping. To lower your stress and manage the situation try to stay positive and remind yourself of your strengths.
- Stay connected with friends and loved ones via phone calls, social media, and video chat. You can also meet at the park or other open space – but keep at least 6 feet of distance and wear a face covering.
- Enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise but remember to follow the “Core Four” when you do so!
- Visit the “App Library” at nyc.gov/nycwell for online tools to help you manage your health and emotional well-being.
- NYC Well, a free and confidential mental health support service, has trained counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide brief counseling and referrals to care. Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), text “WELL” to 65173, or visit nyc.gov/nycwell.
- New York State’s COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline has trained professionals to provide support
For more information:
- Visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus and cdc.gov/covid19.
- Text “COVID” to 692-692 for real-time updates. Message and data rates may apply.
The NYC Health Department may change recommendations as the situation evolves. 8.5.20