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Coronavirus (COVID-19):
What to Know

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Lo que debe saber 冠狀病毒 (COVID-19)：須知 코로나바이러스(COVID-19): 알아야 할 것

Visitor Policy Change due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus

In response to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak and in line with our revised Visitation Guidelines, only select entrances will be open at each Hospital throughout the NewYork-Presbyterian system. All other entrances will be closed and inaccessible to patients, visitors, and staff. The health and safety of our patients, visitors, employees, and our communities remain our top priority at NewYork-Presbyterian. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

See the list of entrances »

Health and safety are always our top priorities at NewYork-Presbyterian. We have been preparing and planning for COVID-19 and will continue to provide the exceptional care all of our patients and families have come to expect from us every day.

We have implemented vigorous policies and procedures and are following all governmental recommendations about COVID-19.

Many of our patients have reached out with common questions. Below you will find the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including guidance on how to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.

The CDC recommends everyday preventive health and hygiene practices to help stop the spread of coronavirus, including:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick and encourage family to do the same.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands. No tissue? Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • In areas of medium or high COVID-19 Community Levels, consider wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator (for example, N95) and avoid crowded areas or keep distance between yourself and others.

In addition to these basic health and hygiene practices, other prevention actions include:

  • Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
  • Get tested for COVID-19 if needed
  • Follow recommendations for what to do if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
  • Stay home if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19

Seek treatment if you have COVID-19 and are at high risk of getting very sick

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions

Most people only have mild symptoms, but some can become very sick. Symptoms can include fever, cough, trouble breathing, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, nasal congestion, headache, chills, new onset loss of smell, and altered sense of taste.

The CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear between two and 14 days after exposure.

If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and have symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your symptoms. You can also utilize NewYork-Presbyterian’s virtual care platform NYP Virtual Urgent Care to meet with a doctor via video conference.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will determine whether or not you need to come in to be evaluated. Avoid contact with others and wear a face mask if you need to leave your home when you are sick.

We understand how important the support of loved ones and friends is to patients during their hospital stay. At the same time, the new coronavirus requires us to temporarily adjust our visiting policy to keep our patients and visitors safe from infection.

Please see our updated visitor guidelines at: https://www.nyp.org/coronavirus-information/coronavirus-visitor-policy-change

The CDC provides COVID-19 related recommendations for domestic and international travel. Current recommendations are available on the CDC’s website here.

For more information

NewYork-Presbyterian is committed to providing our patients with updated information. Please visit our website nyp.org for the latest news.

If you are not feeling well, consider using NewYork-Presbyterian’s Virtual Urgent Care for non-life-threatening symptoms such as fever, cough, upset stomach, or nausea. Learn more by visiting nyp.org/urgentcare.

COVID-19: Online Screening Tool

If you are concerned about whether you may have COVID-19, complete our online screening tool. The tool will help determine your risk level based on your symptoms and travel history. Please note, this tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a severe cough, severe shortness of breath, high fever, or other concerning symptoms, immediately call your doctor or dial 9-1-1.

Start Screening Test