Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Vaccine Clinics and Information

COVID Vaccine Information 10-18-23
An updated monovalent COVID vaccine targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant has been approved for use and is recommended for everyone six months and older to protect against serious illness. We are now offering the updated monovalent COVID vaccine at our Health Department vaccination clinics.

Please be advised that we are no longer able to provide COVID vaccine to everyone interested in receiving it at our clinics. As a safety net provider, COVID vaccines are now only available to children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program and adults who are not insured or are underinsured through the Bridge Access Program at our clinics. If you meet this criteria, you can make an appointment at one of our vaccine clinics by calling (914) 995-5800.

If you have health insurance, you are able to get the updated COVID vaccine at places where you would normally go to get vaccines, such as at pharmacies and medical provider offices. Use the Vaccine Finder Tool to schedule a COVID vaccine near you.

Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines

Everyone aged 6 years and older should get 1 updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date.
People aged 65 years and older may get a 2nd dose of updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Children aged 6 months–5 years may need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, depending on the number of doses they’ve previously received and their age

Visit the CDC website for more information about COVID vaccination

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.

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 three weeks in advance of their vaccine appointment. The Westchester County Department of Health will cover all costs for the SLI. Contact Jeffrey Zitofsky by email at jmza@westchestercountyny.gov 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
Due to the reduced demand for access to digital COVID-19 test and vaccine records through the epass.ny.gov portal, as well as the official end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023, the Excelsior Pass, Excelsior Pass Plus and the NYS Wallet Apps have been discontinued and are no longer available.

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.
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.

About 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.

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

If you have tested positive for COVID-19: Follow this CDC Guidance. This guidance is not applicable to healthcare settings.

School Information and Resources

2023-2024 Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) recommends that schools review current CDC school guidance for COVID-19 prevention and work with their Local Health Department to implement effective and feasible public health measures. NYSED currently has no plans to issue additional specific school COVID-19 guidance.

Those who test positive for COVID-19: Follow this Guidance
Those who have been exposed to COVID-19: Follow this Guidance
Quarantine is no longer recommended for people exposed to COVID-19: Follow this CDC Guidance

Archived 2022-2023 K-12 Schools Guidance

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

Quarantine Guidance 8/2022 (NYSDOH-OCFS)

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 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

Fact Sheets and Resources

Information for Young Adults

Slow the Spread of COVID-19 (CDC)

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

COVID-19 Hotline numbers for the public:

People under self-quarantine and medical providers seeking information: (866) 588-0195
General Information: call 211

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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)