UPDATE:
Free testing site locations for COVID-19 testing
Mobile Unit Locations for [5/17 – 5/21]
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
Note: Availability is subject to change due to inclement weather.
Self-Testing Sites
Rapid Testing Sites
Patients may be asked for ID and for an insurance card, however, neither is required to get tested. Patients will not be asked about immigration status. To find other COVID-19 testing sites, visit nyc.gov/covidtest or call 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).
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What is COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from mild diseases, such as a common cold, to more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness (causing trouble breathing), that is a recently identified type and can be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets.
There has been a widespread community transmission in NYC. However, as of June 2020, the number of cases appear to be trending down.
Click here for the current COVID-19 data.
What are the symptoms?
Most commonly reported symptoms include fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Additional symptoms per CDC include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pains, headache, sore throat, and new loss of smell or taste.
Majority of patients will have mild to moderate symptoms and make a complete recovery.
How long does it take to show symptoms?
Time between exposure to COVID-19 and the moment when symptoms start is commonly around 5-6 days, but this can range from 1-14 days.
How does it spread?
Transmission through respiratory droplets spread through coughing or sneezing in an infected person during prolonged close contact (within 6 feet). It is possible to become infected if touching contaminated surface with virus and touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
How long can the virus survive on surfaces?
Studies have shown that the coronavirus can survive for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, less than 4 hours on copper, and less than 24 hours on cardboard.
Common household disinfectants are effective to clean affected surfaces.
Should I wear a face covering?
Should I get tested?
Get tested...
If you are unsure, make an appointment and our healthcare providers will assist you.
Click here for a more detailed guidance from CDC regarding COVID-19 testing.
What are the ways to prevent spread?
What is the treatment?
There are no vaccines or specific treatments available for COVID-19 yet and medical care is supportive. Majority of COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms make full recovery without complications.
Who are at greatest risk?
Older adults > 50 and those with chronic health conditions or immunocompromised are at greatest risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Chronic conditions include chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
What to do if you experience symptoms?
What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
How is City Care Family Practice doing to keep us safe?
We are now offering TELEVISIT for patients to help with initial screening for those with illness and to help provide guidance.
Mental health and stress during the pandemic
What is COVID-19 Antibody testing?
COVID-19 antibody test is a blood test that provides detection of IgG antibodies against SARS-Cov-2. After an individual gets infection, the virus stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies.
Who is eligible to test?
To find out if you are eligible, make an appointment with a healthcare provider for discussion. If you fit the criteria, we will guide you on the next steps.
What do the results mean?
Results return as positive or negative. There are no titers. Positive results suggest past infection from COVID-19, however, as of now, no study has evaluated whether the presence of the antibodies confers immunity to re-infection. Positive results may also be due to cross-reactivity from past or present infection with other coronavirus strains such as those that cause the common cold.
Negative results do not rule out COVID-19 infection, particularly n those who have been in contact with the virus.
If I test positive for the COVID-19 antibodies, do I need to stay at home or wear masks?
Yes, continue to follow the guidelines set by local, state, and federal governments. Continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS)
PMIS is a new health condition appearing in children possibly due to COVID-19, however, the connection is still not clear. It appears to present similarly to other serious inflammatory conditions such as Kawasaki disease in children that may affect the heart and other organs.
It is rare but serious, so it is important for parents to watch out for the following symptoms:
When should I call the doctor or go to ER?
How do I prevent my child from getting PMIS?
Advisory for Travelers
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has issued updated guidelines for travelers to New York from other states.
Click here for the updated advisory: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
City Care Family Practice will be closely following the recommendations set by New York State. Travelers arriving to New York will be offered TeleVisit (video chat) appointments to address medical concerns.
(Source: NYS DOH)
updated 04/16/2021
