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Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Last Updated: May 15, 2020 at 8:50 AM
What You Need to Know

  • Central New York, North County, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley Regions have met all seven metrics required to begin phase one of the state's regional phased reopening plan and can begin reopening on May 15.

  • New York will continue to reopen on a regional basis as each region meets the criteria necessary to protect public health as businesses reopen.

  • Governor Cuomo released a guide to the state's "NY Forward Reopening" Plan, along with the state's regional monitoring dashboard.

  • All K-12 schools and college facilities statewide will remain closed and continue to provide distance learning, meal delivery and childcare services for the remainder of the school year.

  • Governor Cuomo issued executive orders 202.17 and 202.18 requiring all people in New York to wear masks or face coverings in public, including when taking public or private transportation or riding in for-hire vehicles.

  • New York has issued first-in-the-nation criteria to healthcare professionals establishing an interim definition for COVID-related inflammatory illness in children.

  • The state Department of Health hosted a webinar for healthcare providers to discuss inflammatory disease in children related to COVID-19; view recording of webinar here.

  • Certain low-risk business and recreational activities will be ready to reopen statewide on May 15th, including landscaping and gardening businesses; and recreational activities such as tennis and drive-in movie theaters.

  • Governor Cuomo issues Executive Order mandating all nursing home staff be tested for COVID-19 twice per week.

  • New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through June 15, 2020; must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.

  • A new contest asks New Yorkers to create and share a video explaining why wearing a mask in public is important. Interested applicants can go to wearamask.ny.gov.

  • Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services.

  • New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

  • Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.

  • Your local health department is your community contact for COVID-19 concerns.  

New York Forward

Our plan focuses on getting people back to work and easing social isolation without triggering renewed spread of the virus or overwhelming the hospital system.

Read the Plan

Guidance on Essential Services

This guidance applies to each business location individually and is intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business and steps to request such designation.

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Help Stop the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus
Protect Yourself and Others
Practice Social Distancing

Even if you feel well, stay at home as much as possible. In public, keep at least 6 feet distance from others. Avoid unnecessary appointments.

Wash Your Hands. Cover Your Cough

Cover your cough and sneezes. Use your elbow or a tissue. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Take Caution with New Yorkers At-Risk

Take special caution to avoid exposing the elderly and people with underlying health conditions. Avoid visiting those most at risk, call instead.  Offer help with groceries and other goods.

COVID-19 TRACKER
View a county-by-county breakdown of testing and positive cases around New York State.
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