What is Covid-19?

Covid-19 or Coronavirus is a respiratory illness. 

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include a fever, shortness of breath and a new and persistent cough.

How does it spread?

Covid-19 spreads through water droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes but this is not believed to be the main way the virus is spread. 

How do I protect myself?

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and practice social distancing of at least 6ft (2m).
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available. 

What if I have symptoms or have spent time with someone displaying symptoms?

Self isolate for 14 days. We isolate to monitor symptom development. See if you develop symptoms within 14 days, if you do, how do they progress? Are you able to fight it off or do they become worse and affect your breathing? If your breathing is compromised GO TO ER or call 911. Mild symptoms like fever and cough can be managed at home with plenty of rest, increased intake of clear fluids and over the counter medicines. Please schedule a virtual visit for more advice on this. During isolation you are advised to stay home, if you need to go out for shopping you must wear a face mask. 

Why 14 days?

The time frame of 14 days is in line with WHO and CDC guidelines of Covid-19 prevention. This is because symptoms of Covid-19 typically develop between 2-14 days. 

What if i don’t have a face mask?

If a face mask is not available to you, practice strict social distancing of 6 ft and good respiratory hygiene. This includes coughing or sneezing into the crease of your elbow or tissue and immediately washing your hands once you have disposed of the tissue. 

What if my family member who i live with has tested positive? 

The infected person must wear a mask at all times. If a mask is unavailable to them they must practice strict social distancing and good hand and respiratory hygiene.

As a member of the family you too must practice social distancing and good hand and respiratory hygiene. You must self isolate for 14 days as above and wear a mask when you leave your house to shop. Practice social distancing and good respiratory and hand hygiene while you are out of the house. 

Is there a cure? 

There is currently no vaccine or drug therapy to treat or cure Coronavirus. 

How do I get tested? 

Tests are currently only being carried out at the ER. The test is reserved for patients who are showing symptoms only. You will not be tested if you request a test and have no symptoms even if you have been exposed. 

Is this included in my insurance? 

Health care is available to all in NYC regardless of ability to pay. Call 311 to get connected with a provider.

Where can I get more information?

For latest updates in New York and worldwide please follow this link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or call the new York State Health Department Novel Coronavirus hotline on 1-888-364-3065.