Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause either mild illness, such as a cold, or can make people sick with pneumonia.

If you are a medical provider, see our 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) — Information for Providers page.

2019 Novel Coronavirus

Recently, a novel (new) coronavirus was detected in thousands of people worldwide. 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.

Twelve people have been diagnosed with this novel coronavirus in New York City (see up-to-date case count). If you are experiencing fever, cough and/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 U.S., visit CDC's Travelers' Health webpage for the latest travel health notices.

Symptoms

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough and/or shortness of breath. An infection can result in death, but that is a rare outcome.

Prevention

You should go about your daily life, but take the same precautions that you would during cold and flu season:

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 home if you are not feeling well.

Returning Travelers

If you recently returned to New York from China, Iran, South Korea, Italy or Japan, review the following documents for information about self-monitoring and how and when you can go back to work or school.

Case Count in NYC

Testing to determine whether the pending cases are confirmed as positive or negative can take hours or days, depending on what lab performs the test.

As of March 7, 2020 at 5:30 p.m.:

People Under Investigation in NYC Positive 12 * Negative 86 Pending 21 Total 119

*This count includes one non-NYC resident tested and treated in NYC.

Additional Resources for Coronavirus Disease 2019