Coronavirus In NYC: What's Happened And What You Need To Know

NEW YORK CITY — The breakneck pace of action to tackle the new coronavirus — officially known as COVID-19 — has left New York City almost unrecognizable. As new cases come in and major decisions are made, keeping up with it all is overwhelming.

Here, Patch breaks down the information you need to understand what's happened, what it means and what to expect.

How many people have the new coronavirus in New York City?

As of April 64,955 people have tested positive for the virus in New York City and 2,472 people have died, according to city officials.

What are the symptoms? How serious is it?

For most people, symptoms are mild or moderate and include a fever and cough. It can be a lot more severe for some, particularly the elderly and people with existing health problems such as cancer, diabetes or respiratory illness. The vast majority of people recover.

What should New Yorkers do if they think they have COVID-19?

The short answer: Call your doctor or the 311 hotline. Speak to somebody on the phone — do not head to the emergency room, an urgent care center or your doctor's office.

The city has also made lots of information available through 311 and the Health Department website. Those concerned they might have the new coronavirus can call the information hotline for instructions about how to proceed.

Is New York City closed?

Not closed exactly, but greatly shut down. All non-essential movement out of your homes has been banned due to a stay-at-home order announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. This is what it means:

Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order In NY: What Does It Mean?

What about grocery stores and pharmacies?

Both grocery stores and pharmacies qualify as essential businesses that are allowed to stay open, but empty shelves have become a common sight, and the mayor has said food rationing isn't outside the realm of possibility.

How long is this going to last?

De Blasio and his health experts expect the city will not return to normalcy until September. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has suggested it could be even longer. The truth is, nobody knows for certain.

How can I keep on top of coronavirus developments?

Sign up for Patch's news alerts and newsletter.

A State of Emergency has been called in the city. What does that mean?

Effectively, it gives the mayor increased powers and funding to cope with a crisis. According to the city's charter, those powers include:

• The ability to institute a curfew.
• To restrict pedestrian/vehicular movement.
• To close "places of public assemblage."

What can I do to help?

If you are able to make Personal Protective Equipment for health care workers — such as gowns, gloves or masks — reach out to the NYC Economic Development Corporation and/or contact the state's economic development agency by calling 646-522-8477 or emailing covid19supplies@esd.ny.gov.

If you are a health care professional, sign up here to volunteer to provide medical aid in the fight against the virus. (Many retirees have already signed up!) And a volunteer network called NYC Covid Worker Care is looking for mental health professionals and others to help support medical workers on the frontlines of the crisis.

You can also make monetary donations to support the city's hospital network, laid-off restaurant workers and local restaurants, entertainment professionals, New York City food banks and more.

What else do I need to know?

Officials predict the city's hospitals will become badly overwhelmed. A floating hospital, the USNS Comfort, arrived in New York City March 30 in an effort to help, the Javits Center has been converted into a temporary hospital and more than 2,000 volunteers are ready to go to work. They include retired health care professionals and medical students. Hotels and other buildings will be converted into makeshift medical centers.

The situation is dire for the city's economy. Businesses are seriously struggling, the stock market has nosedived and economists and leaders have said help from the federal government is essential.

New York state and local governments will receive billions in funding from a $2 trillion stimulus package passed by the Senate on Wednesday, but some state officials say it's not enough money. New York Sen. Charles Schumer, who was active in negotiating the deal with Senate republicans, touted more than $40 billion in aid for New York State. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the roughly $3 billion injected into the state government covers only about 2% of the state's budget, a lower percentage than 48 other states set to receive funds in the stimulus.