Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

For a current COVID-19 case count in New York State with a breakdown by county, visit the NYSDOH COVID-19 Positive Tests Over Time, By Region and County. Information and guidance about COVID-19 for health care providers can be found on our Physician's Corner. Public Facing Infographic 2020-2021 Covid19 Response

This infographic provides a summary of the Westchester County Department of Health’s leadership and response to the COVID-19 public health emergency for the period of 2020-2021.

Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with COVID-19
The Westchester County Department of Health is alerting parents and guardians that there has been a rare, but serious, childhood inflammatory disease reported among children and teens with a possible link to COVID-19. The New York State Department of Health is investigating several cases of severe illness in children and child deaths that may be related to COVID-19 where children are experiencing symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock-like syndrome.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Vaccine Clinics and Information

REOPENING
WCDH Yonkers District Office Vaccination Clinic
Walk-ins accepted, but appointments are recommended to guarantee vaccine availability.
Date: Mondays
Location: 20 S. Broadway
Hours: 2 PM - 5 PM
Schedule a Flu Vaccine (ages 3 years and older)
COVID-19 Boosters:
Schedule a COVID-19 Bivalent Booster (Ages 12 and over)
Schedlue a COVID-19 Pediatric Bivalent Booster (Ages 5 - 11 only)
Schedlue a COVID-19 Pediatric Bivalent Booster (Ages 6 Months to 5 years)
COVID-19 Primary Series:
Schedule a First Dose Pfizer Vaccine (5 years and older)
Schedule a Second Dose Pfizer Vaccine (5 years and older)

Schedule a First Dose Moderna Pediatric Vaccine (Ages 6 months to 5 years)
Schedule a First Dose Moderna Vaccine (Ages 6 to 11 years)
Schedule a First Dose 12+ Moderna Vaccine (12 years and older)
Schedule a Second Dose Moderna Pediatric Vaccine (Ages 6 months to 5 years)
Schedule a Second Dose Moderna Vaccine (Ages 6 to 11 years)
Schedule a Second Dose 12+ Moderna Vaccine (12 years and older)

Schedule a NovaVax Booster Vaccine (18 years and older)

WCDH White Plains District Office Vaccination Clinic
Walk-ins accepted, but appointments are recommended to guarantee vaccine availability.
Date: Mondays and Fridays
Location: 134 Court Street
Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM
Schedule a Flu Vaccine (Ages 3 years and over)
COVID-19 Boosters:
Schedule a COVID-19 Bivalent Booster (Moderna and Pfizer) (Ages 12 and over)
Schedule a COVID-19 Pediatric Pfizer Bivalent Booster (Ages 5-11 only)
Schedule a COVID-19 Pediatric Moderna Bivalent Booster (Ages 6 Months to 5 years)
COVID-19 Primary Series:
Schedule a First Dose Pfizer Vaccine (Ages 5 years and older)
Schedule a Second Dose Pfizer Vaccine (Ages 5 years and older)
Schedule a Third Dose Pfizer Vaccine (Immunocompromised)

Schedule a First Dose Pediatric Moderna Vaccine (Ages 6 Months to 5 years)
Schedule a First Dose Moderna Vaccine (Ages 6 to 11)
Schedule a First Dose Moderna Vaccine (Ages 12 and over)
Schedule a Second Dose Pediatric Moderna Vaccine (Ages 6 Months to 5 years)
Schedule a Second Dose Moderna Vaccine (Ages 6 to 11)
Schedule a Second Dose Moderna Vaccine (Ages 12 and over)
Schedule a Third Dose Moderna Vaccine (Immunocompromised)

Schedule a Johnson & Johnson Vaccine (Ages 18 and over)

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Information
Those who have had a recent COVID infection are eligible to receive a booster shot as long as they are fully recovered from their illness and have completed their primary vaccination series as follows:

For Pfizer, those 5 and older are eligible for a booster 5 months after completion of their primary series
For Moderna, those 18 and older are eligible for a booster 5 months after completion of their primary series
For Johnson & Johnson, those 18 and older are eligible for a booster 2 months after their original J&J vaccine.
Those with underlying medical conditions should speak with their health care provider about if/when a booster shot is appropriate for them.

Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children ages 5 to 11 Years Old (en español)

Pharmacy and Other Clinics for All Ages
To locate pharmacies and other community sites offering COVID-19 vaccines in your area, use the
Vaccine Finder tool.

In-Home Vaccination Program
The New York State Department of Health, in partnership with counties, has established local points of contact to expand access to vaccines through an in-home vaccination program. This program helps those who are homebound due to physical limitations, cognitive impairment, other chronic conditions, a lack of transportation, and/or visual impairments, and who do not have access to supports that may help them physically go to an existing vaccination provider.

Free ParaTransit Transportation for Seniors and Constituents with Disabilities
Westchester County Executive Latimer is offering senior and disabled constituents, who are not registered with ParaTransit, free transportation to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. Call ParaTransit reservations at (914) 995-7272, 24 hours prior to your vaccination date to schedule your ride. For additional questions, please email Evan Letainer, Director of the Office for People with Disabilities at ehl2@westchestergov.com.

Sign Language Interpreter Services
Any Westchester Resident in need of a Sign Language Interpreter (SLI) at any Westchester County Department of Health operated vaccine clinic should contact the Westchester County Office for People with Disabilities at least seven days in advance of their vaccine appointment. The Westchester County Department of Health will cover all costs for the SLI. Contact Andrea Sadowski by email at afs5@westchestergov.com or by phone at (914) 995-2956 to make arrangements.

Vaccination Card Replacement

If you received your vaccine at a Westchester County Department of Health vaccination clinic (Westchester Community College or 134 Court Street), contact the County Health Department by email at DOH-RegSupport@westchestergov.com.
If you received your vaccine at a vaccine clinic in New York City, call 347-396-2400. If you have IDNYC, you can also create a MyRecord account to obtain a copy of your card.
If you were vaccinated anywhere else in New York State, call NYSIIS hotline at 518-473-2839.

Excelsior Pass
If you were vaccinated in New York State, Excelsior Pass provides a free, fast and secure way to present digital proof of your COVID-19 vaccination. Please note that at this time, the Excelsior Pass only includes an individual’s initial vaccine series. It does not include boosters and/or additional doses. If you received a booster or additional dose, you can retrieve your Excelsior Vaccination Pass Plus which includes all COVID-19 doses received to date. You can expect your booster or additional doses to be available 3-4 days after receiving your shot.

COVID-19 General Vaccine Information
Currently, three COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA and approved by New York State’s independent COVID-19 Clinical Advisory Task Force: one that was developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, a second that was developed by Moderna and a third that was developed by Janssen/Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. FDA fact sheets for recipients and caregivers on each vaccine are available: Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson.

Those 6 months of age and older are now eligible to receive at least one of the three approved the COVID-19 vaccines. The NY State COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline, 1(833) NYS-4-VAX, (833)-697-4829 is also open for scheduling vaccination appointments at state operated clinics.

Resources

New York State COVID-19 Vaccine
Centers for Disease Control Covid-19 Vaccine Information

Testing, Results and Treatment

COVID-19 Treatment is Available
Oral antiviral medications are available for treatment of COVID-19 and have been proven to decrease hospitalization for those that are at risk for severe disease. When given soon after a positive diagnosis, these antivirals also help fight infection and shorten recovery time. All treatments require a prescription and those who test COVID-19 positive should talk to their health care provider.

Westchester County residents who test positive and do not have a health care provider, regardless of income or health insurance coverage, are eligible to be evaluated for treatment by calling 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869) or completing an evaluation at the NYS COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access website, which includes a telemedicine visit. The Hotline is available 24-hours per day, seven days a week and operated by experienced Health + Hospitals professionals who have the clinical training to prescribe treatment and referrals if needed.

Who can be tested for COVID-19?
COVID-19 testing is available to all New Yorkers statewide.

Where can I be tested for COVID-19?

Use the New York State COVID-19 Test Site Finder to locate a testing site near you.
Contact your health care provider to find out if they offer testing.
Call the NY State COVID-19 Hotline at (888) 364-3065 or use the New York State Online Screening Tool to share your symptoms and pre-register for testing.
Call (914) 202-4530 to make an appointment at the COVID-19 testing site at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla.
CVS Pharmacies are offering testing at select locations. Visit the CVS COVID-19 Testing webpage for more information.

COVID-19 Home Test Kits

COVID-19 home tests or over-the-counter (OTC) tests are one of many measures that you can take to protect yourself and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packet information insert for performing the test.
Home tests produce rapid results, usually within 15 minutes. They can be used regardless of vaccination status, or whether or not you have symptoms. The vaccine cannot give you a false positive test result.
A positive self-administered (parent assisted) test result means that the test has detected the virus and that you should stay home and isolate from others. You should notify your employer or school, as well as any close contacts such as household members, relatives or friends, that you have tested positive. A person with COVID-19 can begin spreading it starting two days before having any symptoms or the day that the specimen was collected.
If you test positive for COVID-19, take steps to protect others regardless of your vaccination status. This includes isolating from others and notifying your healthcare provider and close contacts about your positive test result.
A negative self-test result means that the test did not detect the virus and you may not have an infection. However, a negative result does not rule out infection. Home or self-test kits generally require a second test at least 24 hours following the first test if the first test is negative to ensure the most accurate result. For this reason, test kits are usually sold in sets of two. If you have COVID-19 symptoms and a self-test indicates that you are negative, it is recommended that you have a healthcare provider or a lab perform a molecular test to confirm.

*Please be advised that the Westchester County Department of Health will not be calling you. If you require isolation release documentation for work or school, you can print and sign the New York State Affirmation of Isolation Letter. (updated 12/2022)

Free COVID-19 Home Test Kits Available by Mail
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them. Tests for people who are blind or have low vision are also available.

What should I do while I wait for my test results?
If you have symptoms of the disease, or if you have been in contact with someone who is infected, you will be asked to stay apart from others. This is also called isolation or quarantine. COVID-19 spreads easily. Staying apart helps stop the disease from spreading.

What happens if I test positive for COVID-19?
If you have tested positive for COVID-19:

Isolate for 5 days, where day 0 is the day of symptom onset or (if asymptomatic) the day of collection of the first positive specimen.
If asymptomatic at the end of 5 days or if symptoms are resolving, isolation ends and you should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional 5 days.
Individuals who are moderately-severely immunocompromised should continue to follow standard (i.e., not shortened) Isolation Guidance.
Individuals who are unable to wear a well-fitting mask for 5 days after a 5-day isolation should also follow standard (i.e., not shortened) Isolation Guidance.

What should I know about Rapid COVID-19 testing?
Rapid antigen tests are highly specific but not very sensitive. Therefore, if you receive a negative result from a rapid COVID-19 Antigen test and/or you have symptoms of COVID-19 and receive a negative result from a rapid COVID-19 Antigen test, you must have the negative result confirmed by a conventional COVID-19 RT-PCR test.

What should I know about COVID-19 antibody testing?
Many people have been inquiring about a blood test that can confirm if they have been infected with COVID-19 in the past. This type of blood test is called an antibody or serology test, and it checks your blood by looking for antibodies that show if you had a previous infection with the virus.

As antibody testing becomes available in the community, the public should be aware of the limitations of these tests. COVID-19 antibody testing or serology testing should not be used for:

The diagnosis of COVID-19
Establishing immunity to COVID-19
Determining when persons can safely return to work
Determining when to discontinue social isolation measures or appropriate precautions, including the use of PPE

COVID-19 antibody or serology testing is useful for:

Testing a population or large groups of people to determine the aggregate percent of a population that has been infected
Clinical studies

If you choose to have an antibody or serolgy test, see information from the New York State Department of Health on What Your Antibody Test Results May Mean.

Can COVID-19 be treated?

Oral antiviral medications are available for the treatment of COVID-19. Also, people infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment in a hospital might be required. Call your healthcare provider to find out more about what care and treatment is available to you.

Fact Sheets:

Coronavirus Testing Basics (FDA)

Quarantine and Isolation

COVID-19 Interim Updated Isolation and Quarantine Guidance Per New York State and CDC for the General Population

Note: The Guidance Text Below Does Not Apply to Health Care Settings, Congregate Settings and Day Care at the time of posting

If you have tested positive for COVID-19:

Isolate for five days, where day 0 is the day of symptom onset or (if asymptomatic) the day of collection of the first positive specimen.
If asymptomatic at the end of five days or if symptoms are resolving, isolation ends and the individual should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional five days.
Individuals who are moderately-severely immunocompromised should continue to follow standard (i.e., not shortened) Isolation Guidance.
Individuals who are unable to wear a well-fitting mask for five days after a five-day isolation should also follow standard (i.e., not shortened) Isolation Guidance.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19, quarantine as follows, where day 0 is the last date of exposure:

If not fully vaccinated or fully vaccinated and eligible for a booster but not yet boosted, quarantine for five days and wear a well-fitting mask while around others for an additional five days.
If fully vaccinated and boosted (with the booster at least two weeks before the first date of exposure) or not yet eligible for a booster, no quarantine is required but these individuals should wear a well-fitting mask while around others for 10 days after the last date of exposure.
If possible, test at day five with either a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT, e.g., PCR) or antigen test.
If symptoms appear, quarantine and seek testing. In this situation, quarantine would end when the test is negative. If testing is not done, isolate according to the guidance above.

CDC COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Calculator (Calculate how long to isolate, quarantine, and take other prevention steps)

Fact Sheets

School Information and Resources

PreK - Grade 12 Schools

Revised COVID-19 K-12 School Surveillance Guidance for Identification and Classification of Outbreaks (CSTE)
September 8, 2022: Updated - Frequently Asked Questions Related to COVID-19 for Schools (2022/2023) (NYSED)
August 11, 2022: Frequently Asked Questions Related to COVID-19 for Schools (2022/2023)(NYSED))
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents-Caregivers for School Year 2022/23 (NYSED)
August 22, 2022: NYS Updated Guidance for Schools 2022-23
August 22, 2022: 2022-2023 School Year COVID Joint Letter (NYSDOH & NYSED)

Preschool Early Intervention

New Quarantine Guidance 8/2022 (NYSDOH-OCFS)

Posters, Flyers and Fact Sheets

COVID-19 Print Resources (CDC)
Coronavirus Testing Basics (FDA)
Isolation & Testing Fact Sheet (en español) (WCDOH)

“The New School Rules” Video PSAs

Resources

New York State Education Department (NYSED)
New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
IDEAs That Work (OSEP)
Westchester County Mental Health Online Resource Directory (WCDCMH)

Standing Orders and Protocols

Return to Work Protocol for Healthcare Personnel

November 30, 2022: Updated Health Advisory on Return-to-Work Protocols for Healthcare Personnel
with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2

Quarantine for Domestic Travelers

Domestic travelers must comply with all current CDC requirements for testing and quarantine.

Quarantine for International Travelers

International travelers arriving in NY must comply with all current CDC requirements for testing and quarantine after international travel.

Data and Case Tracking

January 19, 2022: NYSDOH new COVID-19 Reinfection Data website

Centers for Disease Control COVID Data Tracker Integrated County View
New York State COVID-19 Data
New York State Complete Catalog of COVID-19 Related Data
New York State Travel Advisory for individuals who have traveled to designated states with significant community spread of COVID-19.

Personal and Community Protection Measures

You may also go to YouTube to watch the full video.

COVID-19 Check Up Tool
Use the NYS CV19 CheckUp Tool to assess how likely you are to get or spread COVID-19, how severe it might be if you get sick, steps to reduce your risks, and ways to have your needs met during the pandemic.

What can I do to protect myself?
You should take the following precautions to protect against COVID-19:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Maintain six feet of space between you and others when out in public.
Wear a cloth face covering when out in public and unable to maintain six feet between you and others.
Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue (not your hands), then throw the tissue in the trash.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning product that contains bleach.
- 针对 COVID-19 疑似或确诊病例之家庭清洁消毒的一般建议 (SC - 简体中文)
- 關於 COVID-19 疑似或確診病例的一般居家清潔和消毒建議 (TC - 繁體中文)
- Recomendaciones generales de limpieza y desinfección de viviendas con casos sospechosos o confirmados de COVID-19 (Español)

Should I wear a mask when out in public?
For the most current masking requirements and recommendations, view the New York State Health Commissioner’s September 7, 2022 Determination on Masking in Certain Indoor Settings.

When you do wear a mask:

Make sure that it fits properly and cover your nose and mouth.
Be sure to change your mask frequently and launder reusable ones when they are soiled or wet.
Remember that masks are not a replacement for keeping social distance. Masks are appropriate in any situation where social distancing is difficult to maintain, such as when you need to get groceries or medications.
Continue to be vigilant with thorough and frequent hand washing, practice respiratory etiquette and cover your coughs or sneezes, and practice social distancing – even when wearing masks.
Finally, stay home if you are feeling sick!

COVID-19 General recommendations for cleaning and disinfection of households with suspected or confirmed cases
As part of your everyday prevention actions, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your home using a cleaning product that contains bleach. This includes tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, cabinet handles and appliances.

If I can't find disinfecting products at the store, can I make my own?
A soultion of bleach and water will be effective against COVID-19. Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:

5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Be aware that there are dangers associated with mixing certain cleaners. The following are deadly combinations and should never be mixed together:

Bleach + vinegar = chlorine gas. This can lead to coughing, breathing problems, burning and watery eyes.
Bleach + ammonia = chloramine. This can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
Bleach + rubbing alcohol = chloroform. This is highly toxic.
Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar = peracetic/peroxyacetic acid. This can be highly corrosive.

What is community mitigation?

Community mitigation (or non-pharmaceutical interventions) are actions that individuals and communities can take to slow the spread of COVID-19, when there are no pharmaceutical preventive or treatment options. Community mitigation is critically important for protecting individuals most vulnerable to COVID-19 and reducing strain on the health care system. These social disyancing actions include:

Not shaking hands, hugging or kissing when greeting people
Limiting visitors
Maintaining at a least six feet apart from others
Avoiding mass gatherings
Working at home
Closing schools and providing remote learning instruction to students
For additional information see CDC Community Mitigation Strategies

Fact Sheets and Resources

Information for Young Adults

Help Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19 (1 MB, PDF)
What Your Test Results Mean (1 MB, PDF)
Slow the Spread of COVID-19 (CDC)
Do it for Yourself and Your Friends (1 MB, PDF)
Stay Safe at the Pool/Beach (1 MB, PDF)

Coronavirus Communication Card for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing

I am deaf or hard of hearing
Soy sordo o con dificultades de audición (Español)

Fact Sheets

Coronavirus Testing Basics (FDA)
Isolation & Testing Fact Sheet (en español)
COVID-19 Guidelines: Food Service Operators and Staff (8 1/2 x 14)
COVID-19 Guidelines: Building Owners and Managers (8 1/2 x 14)
- Directrices sobre COVID-19 para propietarios y gerentes de edificios (WCDH)(Español)
COVID-19 Guidelines: Tenants and Multifamily Dwellings (8 1/2 x 14)
- Directrices sobre COVID-19 para inquilinos de viviendas multifamiliares (WCDH)(Español)
COVID-19 Guidelines: Food Service Operators and Staff (8 1/2 x 14)
- Directrices sobre el COVID-19 para el personal y los operadores de servicios de comida (WCDH)(Español)
- COVID-19 指南：餐饮服务运营商与工作人员 (WCDH) (SC - 简体中文)
- COVID-19 指南：餐飲服務業者及工作人員 (WCDH) (TC - 繁體中文)
COVID-19 General Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfection of Households with Suspected or Confirmed Cases (WCDH)
- 针对 COVID-19 疑似或确诊病例之家庭清洁消毒的一般建议 (SC -简体中文 )
- 關於 COVID-19 疑似或確診病例的一般居家清潔和消毒建議 (TC - 繁體中文)
- Recomendaciones generales de limpieza y desinfección de viviendas con casos sospechosos o confirmados de COVID-19 (Español)
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (NYSDOH)
COVID-19 Fact Sheets (CDC)

Additional Resources

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CDC)
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak (WHO)
Novel Coronavirus (NYSDOH)
COVID-19 Information for Health Care Providers

Hotline Numbers

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) New York State Hotline
The New York State Department of Health has set up a hotline at (888) 364-3065 where Department of Health experts will be available to answer questions regarding COVID-19.

COVID-19 Hotline numbers for the public:

People under self-quarantine and medical providers seeking information: (866) 588-0195
People inquiring about testing: (888) 364-3065
General Information: call 211

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)