We encourage you to visit this page that will be updated accordingly as we learn of new developments. You can also register to receive text messages in real-time related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) in English when you text COVID to 692-692 or in Spanish when you text COVIDESP to 692-692. You can also log online.
COVID-19 Testing
All New Yorkers should get a COVID-19 diagnostic test, whether or not they have symptoms or have been tested before.
Learn more about testing below, and talk to your health care provider about the types of tests available and how frequently you should get tested.
- COVID-19 Testing: Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
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Find a Testing Site
There are many health care providers, pharmacies and government facilities, including mobile and pop-up testing sites, offering testing — often free — throughout the city.
Here are some resources to help you find a location near you:
- COVID-19 Citywide Information Portal: Testing Locations: Search a map of all testing locations, including some that may not be free.
- COVID-19: Rapid Testing: Schedule an appointment at one of the Health Department’s free rapid testing locations, which usually return test results within a few hours.
- NYC Health + Hospitals Testing Sites: These locations offer free testing, including some sites that will test children 2 years old and younger.
When you go for a test, you will not be asked about immigration status. COVID-19 testing and care services are not a public benefit under the public charge rule.
- Public Charge: Does It Apply to Me? (PDF)
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COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Vaccines will be important tools in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The vaccine will work for most people, but it will not work for everyone. We do not know yet how long protection will last. We also do not know whether or how often you may need to get revaccinated.
Even after you are vaccinated, you will still need to practice these important COVID-19 prevention steps: stay home if sick, wash your hands, wear a face covering and keep physical distance from others.
Check this page regularly for up-to-date reliable information.
Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines Approved for Emergency Use
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized applications for emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. In clinical trials, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were shown to be safe and be greater than 94% effective at preventing symptoms and decreasing severe COVID-19 infection among study volunteers.
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines work by teaching the body to create an immune response for a virus that is not present in the body. Learn more about the mechanics of this type of vaccine.
Both vaccines have shown to have mild to moderate side effects, including soreness or swelling on the arm where you got the shot, headache, body aches, tiredness, and fever. Side effects usually go away within two to three days.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will each require two doses, through shots in the arm, three or four weeks apart (depending on which type of vaccine you get).
- Watch: NYC Health Commissioner Discusses Vaccine Rollout in NYC
- CDC: Vaccine Testing and the Approval Process
When and Where to Get Vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccines may not be widely available to the general public until mid-2021. They will will be made available in stages.
Find out who is currently eligible for a vaccine and search for a vaccination location near you.
When there are enough vaccine doses available, it will be made available to all New Yorkers.
You will be able to get the vaccine at the same places you usually get vaccines, such as:
- Your health care provider
- Community and hospital clinics
- Pharmacies
- Urgent care centers
Some COVID-19 testing sites and community pop-up locations may also provide vaccinations.
The vaccines currently in trials have not yet been studied in children younger than 16. They will not be available to that age group until more information is available.
City Agency Updates
In adherence to executive orders issued by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio, employees are telecommuting to help reduce density while practicing social distancing. Please take note of the service reductions and suspensions implemented by a vast number of city agencies. The most frequented sites are list below for your convenience:
- MTA NYC Transit
- NYC Public Schools / 2020-2021 School Year
- Brooklyn Public Library
- NYC Parks
- Small Businesses
- The City University of New York
- NYCHA
Updates on City Services
- Summer Youth Employment Program
- Community COVID-19 Testing Sites
- Antibody Testing
- Health Insurance
- COVID-19 Hotel Program
- Food Distribution Locations in District 45
- Help Now NYC: Give Help, Get Help
- NYC Well: Mental Health Services
- Resources for Immigrant Communities
- Resources for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence / Domestic Violence Text Program
- LGBTQ New Yorkers
- Alternate Side Parking
- NYLAG’s Free NY COVID-19 Legal Resource Hotline
- Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) Driver Resource Center
- Burial Assistance / Funeral & Burial Guidance
Contact Our Office
Although our offices are closed, our team will continue to provide Constituent Services by phone at (718) 629-2900 and via email at District45@council.nyc.gov, Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
We will share additional updates on these adjustments as soon as possible via email, website, and social media (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) pages listed as @cmfarahlouis. To subscribe to our listserv, text ‘CMFARAHLOUIS’ to 22828.