Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause mild illnesses like a cold, to more serious illnesses like pneumonia.
Infections
with this new virus have been reported in many countries, including the
U.S. For an updated list of affected areas, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.
The virus is likely to be spread from person to person, but it is currently unclear how easily it spreads.
Commonly reported symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Most
people (80%) with COVID-19 will feel like they have a bad cold or the
flu. Some people will require hospitalization. People who are at most
risk for severe illness are elderly or have other health conditions.
WHAT SHOULD TLC-LICENSED DRIVERS, VEHICLE OWNERS AND OPERATORS DO?
TLC-licensed drivers, vehicle owners and operators should go about their daily lives, but take certain precautions:
TLC-licensed drivers, vehicle owners and operators are encouraged to clean their vehicles at least daily
Standard cleaning and disinfection products are recommended (e.g. Clorox, Purell, Peroxide multi-purpose cleaner)
Pay
special attention to disinfecting surfaces and objects that are touched
often, such as door handles, arm rests, and seatbelts, as appropriate
Get
the flu shot—it’s not too late. Although the flu shot will not protect
you from COVID-19, it will help prevent the flu which has similar
symptoms to this coronavirus.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands).
Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
If you feel sick, stay home.
If you have fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, and recently traveled to an area withongoing spread of coronavirus, or have been in close contact with someone who has recently traveled to any of those areas, go to your doctor.
If you have these symptoms, but no travel history, stay home and call your doctor.
If you need connection to a health care provider, call 311.
Hospital
staff will not ask about immigration status. Receiving health care is
not a public benefit identified by the public charge test.
AT THIS TIME, TLC-LICENSED DRIVERS, VEHICLE OWNERS AND OPERATORS DO NOT NEED TO:
Limit travel within the city.
Avoid public gatherings and public transportation.
Change anything about where you get your food or how you prepare it.
Wear a face mask if you are not sick. Face masks are only recommended if directed by a health care provider.
People
wear protective face masks for many reasons, including seasonal
allergies, pollution or protecting those around them from a common cold.
They should not be harassed or targeted for wearing one.
WHAT SHOULD TLC-LICENSED DRIVERS, VEHICLE OWNERS AND OPERATORS WHO ARE INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS DO TO PROTECT THEMSELVES?
If
you were recently outside of the U.S and do not have a fever, cough
and/or shortness of breath go about your daily life but monitor yourself
for these symptoms. If they develop go to your doctor.
If you were recently outside of the U.S. and have a fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, go to your doctor.
If you doctor asks you to stay home:
Avoid
going in public or to work until you have been fever-free for at least
72 hours without the use of fever reducing drugs like Tylenol or
ibuprofen.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, not with your hands.
Wash
hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE SEPARATE FACTS FROM FEAR AND GUARD AGAINST STIGMA.
A lot of information circulating about coronavirus on social media and even in some news reporting is not based in the facts.
Support your friends, neighbors and colleagues by proactively sharing this message and countering misinformation.
Obtain
information about COVID-19 from trusted sources like the NYC Health
Department, the CDC, and the World Health Organization (WHO).
If
you are being harassed due to your race, nation of origin or other
identities, you can report discrimination or harassment to the NYC
Commission on Human Rights by calling 311 and saying “human rights.”
If
you are experiencing stress or feel anxious, contact NYC Well at
888-NYC-WELL (888-692- 9355) or text WELL to 65173. NYC Well is a
confidential help line that is staffed 24/7 by trained counselors who
can provide brief supportive therapy, crisis counseling, and connections
to behavioral health treatment, in more than 200 languages.
THE NYC HEALTH DEPARTMENT MAY CHANGE RECOMMENDATIONS AS THE SITUATION EVOLVES.
For up to date information, you can visit the Health Department’s website and
social media channels, which are routinely updated and a trusted source. We are including these links below, as well as a link to a
public fact sheet.
