New York City will provide antiviral medication for New Yorkers who test positive for Covid at certain mobile testing sites, Mayor Eric Adams announced last week. Clinicians at participating mobile testing units will be able to write prescriptions for those who test positive--and are eligible for-- Paxlovid, an oral antiviral treatment that reduces the chance of severe illness caused by the virus. The new test-to-treat program is the first of its kind in the United States.
Get the details

New York City on Tuesday officially hit a "high" Covid-19 alert level, meaning there's increased community spread of the virus and significant pressure on the health care system. The new risk level comes a day after city Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan issued an advisory recommending all New Yorkers wear masks in indoor public settings and that those at risk of severe illness avoid crowds. In response to rising cases, the city said it will distribute an additional 16.5 million at-home tests and one million high-quality masks to public schools, community organizations, cultural institutions, libraries, and houses of worship. Although hitting the "high" alert level comes with the recommendation of a mask mandate, the city is not requiring face coverings yet.
Find out more

More than 48,000 deaths, 300,000 hospitalizations, and 1.9 million cases have been prevented since the city's Covid-19 vaccination campaign started in December 2020, the New York City Health Department announced on Friday.  “COVID-19 vaccines have saved so many lives and prevented an immense amount of suffering," Dr. Dave A. Chokshi, Health Commissioner, said. "Nearly 48,000 New Yorkers will celebrate another birthday this year due to the power of vaccination."
Find out more