Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline

Novel Coronavirus Hotline
Call 1-888-364-3065 for Information about Coronavirus

Recently, a new coronavirus - 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus – that was first detected in China is now spreading worldwide. This virus causes a disease called COVID-19 and can lead to fever, cough and shortness of breath. There are thousands of confirmed cases in a growing number of countries internationally and the virus is now spreading in the United States. There are ongoing investigations to learn more about this virus.
Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their health care provider before seeking treatment in person.
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This is a rapidly changing situation. Please regularly check this site and the CDC's Novel Coronavirus webpage for updates.

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Important Health Information For Those Who Have Recently Traveled Internationally

If you recently traveled internationally to these areas of concern and feel sick with fever, cough or trouble breathing, you should:

• Seek medical care right away. Call ahead and tell them about your travel and symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others. Stay home, except for seeking medical care.
• Avoid further travel until the illness resolves.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Symptoms

The 2019 novel coronavirus may cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like:

• cough
• fever
• trouble breathing and
• pneumonia

CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

How Does Novel Coronavirus Spread?

Most of the early reported cases had contact with a seafood and live animal market, suggesting an animal source of the outbreak. However, most cases are now likely to be spread from person to person by droplets when coughing. Since this virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads.

Prevention
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Please visit the Department of Health web page for regular updates. (https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/)