Where to Find Up-to-Date Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) for New York City Residents

By NYPL Staff

March 2, 2020

New Yorkers have contacted The New York Public Library's reference desk seeking answers about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Below is a list of websites with updated information on the virus and prevention.

Resources

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is monitoring novel coronavirus by providing information on the symptoms, prevention, and number of cases of coronavirus in New York City.

New York State Department of Health

The NYS Department of Health is keeping track of cases of novel coronavirus in New York State and New York City. You can find official press releases from state officials, and a toll free hotline to call for more information.

Notify NYC: Real-Time Text Updates

Check New York City's official source of emergency alerts for recent updates. Text 'COVID' to 692692 to receive SMS updates about COVID-19 and other information from Notify NYC.

World Health Organization (WHO)

COVID-19 FAQs from WHO, a United Nations agency dedicated to world public health. Information covered in FAQs includes how the virus is spread, symptoms, prevention methods, information regarding treatment, and more.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The CDC is providing information on how the agency is responding to the novel coronavirus outbreak. This includes FAQs, prevention and treatment, how testing is being conducted, updates on cases in the United States and throughout the world, and more. Additional resources from the CDC include information specific audiences such as schools, medical professionals, businesses, and those who are traveling.

National Library of Medicine

The National Library of Medicine is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As the largest biomedical library in the world, the National Library of Medicine can provide access to clinical studies, public health literature, and scholarly work about the virus.

MedlinePlus

As part of the National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus is an online health resource that provides easily accessible consumer health information in English and Spanish.

New York City Prevention Recommendations

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends taking the following prevention steps. 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 that contains 60 to 95% alcohol.
Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
Stay home if you are not feeling well.