NEW YORK — With cases of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the rise, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan reminded New Yorkers on Monday to stay safe this holiday season by staying up to date on vaccinations, masking up in enclosed public spaces when possible, getting tested regularly, and staying home if you’re sick. .
The city also announced that influenza and RSV testing, as well as Tamiflu prescriptions, are available at 50 NYC Health + Hospitals Test to Treat units.
Finally, starting this week, Pfizer’s updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available to children ages six months to four years at 11 public hospitals in the city. Data shows that flu cases in New York City are already higher this year than the peak of the past four flu seasons.
In addition, over the past month, the seven-day average of confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases have increased, as have cases of RSV, according to city officials.
“When COVID-19 hit New York City nearly three years ago, New Yorkers took care of each other and followed the advice of our health experts,” Mayor Adams said. “With the holiday season in full swing and cases of COVID-19, influenza and RSV on the rise, we ask New Yorkers to once again protect themselves and their loved ones. Put on a mask, get tested, get treated if you qualify, and if you haven’t received your flu shot or COVID-19 booster, please roll up your sleeve. We are stepping up our efforts to put the tools to stay safe in the hands of as many New Yorkers as possible, and together we will have a happy and healthy Christmas season.”
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan recently released a health notice urging New York City residents to wear high-quality masks when indoors and in busy outdoor settings.
This is especially important for people who are or are experiencing an increased risk of complications from COVID-19, RSV or influenza, such as people aged 65 and older and the immunocompromised.
“We want everyone to have a happy and healthy vacation,” said Dr. Vasan. “As we ask New Yorkers to do their part by wearing a mask, staying home when sick, getting tested and receiving treatment, the city stands ready to help us throughout this winter. The Department of Health will closely monitor transmission, variants and capacity of the health system and is making resources readily available so you know where to turn to protect yourself and others.”
In addition to wearing masks and getting vaccinated, officials have urged New Yorkers to take other precautions, including getting tested before meetings and if they develop symptoms of illness.
To make certain resources available in all counties, city officials are providing:
- Rapid home antigen tests for COVID-19 available at more than 250 walk-in delivery locations in every district, including city libraries, parks and cultural institutions, among other locations. New Yorkers can visit NYC.gov/COVID Test to find the most convenient home testing location for them. Home testing is available to public school students and staff with symptoms and is also being distributed before winter break.
- COVID-19 testing with immediate access to the antiviral drug Paxlovid for eligible patients in 75 mobile test-to-treat units. Fifty Test to Treat mobile units now offer influenza and RSV testing for symptomatic patients and Tamiflu prescriptions for those who qualify. New Yorkers can present proof of a positive test, including home test results and test results from any third-party testing vendor, in all mobile test-to-treat units to be immediately tested and connected to Paxlovid. New Yorkers can visit NYC.gov/COVID Test to find the most convenient mobile Test to Treat unit for them; Y
- New Yorkers can call their doctor or 212-COVID19 at ask about the treatment of COVID-19. Calling 212-COVID19 provides an immediate connection to a doctor who can refer patients for treatment with monoclonal antibodies or prescribe antiviral drugs, such as Paxlovid, and arrange for free same-day home delivery.
They can also visit patients with flu and RSV Express Care from NYC Health + Hospitals or call 631-EXP-CARE to speak with a provider who can provide high-quality urgent care and prescribe medications at the pharmacy of your choice.
