Health and Mental Hygiene
HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE
Oxiris Barbot, MD
Commissioner
February 18, 2020
Dear Dorothy Gale,
The New York City Health Department (Health Department) is closely monitoring the
2019 novel coronavirus (named by the World Health Organization as COVID-19). As a
community partner, you play an important role in helping to keep New Yorkers safe
and informed about the facts. To date, New York City has not identified any positive
cases of COVID-19, and the risk to New Yorkers remains low. However, we want to ensure New Yorkers know that we are prepared to respond if the
virus that causes COVID-19 is detected in the city.
What is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that are common throughout the world. They cause
illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like pneumonia. Recently,
a novel (new) coronavirus was detected in thousands of people worldwide, primarily
in China. There is evidence that the infection can be spread person-to-person. A "novel
coronavirus" is a strain that has not been previously found in humans. Infections
with this new virus have been reported in other parts of the world, including the
U.S.
What is New York City doing to address COVID-19?
The Health Department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus, monitor potential cases,
and engage health care providers, community partners, and the public. The situation
is rapidly changing, as is our understanding of the virus that causes COVID-19. Visit
the Health Department’s coronavirus page or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's coronavirus page for the latest information.
How can CUNY - Kingsborough Community College help?
You can help keep our communities informed. It is important that we separate facts
from fear, and guard against stigma and racism. There are a lot of social media posts
and news reports that are not rooted in science and are offensive, demeaning, and
racist. Please help us keep our communities focused on facts, not misinformation.
Visit the Health Department’s website to download and share our fact sheet (繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Español | 한국어 | Русский | Kreyòl ayisyen | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | ײִדיש | العربية | Français |اردو).
The Health Department also encourages all New Yorkers to practice the same precautions
that they would during any cold and flu season. You should still get your flu vaccine
if you haven’t yet — it’s not too late. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue
or your sleeve, not your hands. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for
at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you feel sick, stay
home. And do not touch your face with unwashed hands. Help promote these messages
by displaying posters from the Health Department. You can order free copies by calling
311, or visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus to print on your own.
At this time, New Yorkers do not need to: limit travel within the city, change where they purchase food or how they prepare
it, or avoid public gatherings and public transportation. The Health Department does
not recommend wearing a face mask if you are healthy. Face masks are only recommended
if directed by a health care provider, though it is important to respect our neighbors
who choose to wear them.
If you were recently in China and have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, call
your health care provider immediately. Hospital staff will not ask about immigration
status and medical care is not a “public benefit” under the public charge test. If a member of your community does
not have a doctor or insurance, they can visit an NYC Health + Hospitals facility.
Want to stay connected to the City’s response?
Click here to join a list-serve to stay aware. Questions can be directed to communityaffairs@health.nyc.gov. Thank you for all the work you do in your communities and for your dedication to
promoting and protecting the health of all New Yorkers. We look forward to continuing
to serve New Yorkers alongside you.