Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

COVID-19 Guidance: Omicron Variant, Vaccines, Testing, and More

To our neighbors in NY-14,

The Omicron variant has led to new challenges and new public health guidance. To help navigate it all, we’ve included information below on vaccines, testing sites, and what to do if you test positive or were exposed to the virus.

I Can't Get a Test

The shortage is beyond frustrating and we are working with our federal and local partners to get testing sites to areas where they currently don’t exist and to try to increase the overall supply. In the meantime, there are several free testing sites open to all New Yorkers. Click here for a schedule of mobile testing locations throughout NYC that offer both rapid tests and antibody tests at no cost.

At-home testing for COVID-19 is also available to all immunocompromised New Yorkers and those ages 65 and older. To schedule an in-home appointment, call (929) 298-9400 between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM (7 days a week).

If you’re still struggling to find a testing site near you, call 311, text "COVID TEST" to 855-48, or enter your address here. We recommend calling these testing sites before you go, as some may charge for testing or require appointments.

If long lines are stopping you from getting a test, check out the COVID 19 Wait Times Dashboard, which displays estimated wait times for NYC COVID-19 testing locations. This wait time information is updated every two hours.

If I test positive for COVID-19, how long do I need to isolate? 5 or 10 days?

The Centers for Disease Control recently revised their guidance. First, regardless of your vaccination status, you must isolate if you test positive for COVID-19.

If you’ve tested positive and are experiencing symptoms, (with a fever above 100.4 and/or persistent respiratory symptoms) you are required to isolate for 10 days.

If you’ve tested positive but are asymptomatic, stay home for 5 days. If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house, BUT you should continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

What should I do if I was exposed to COVID-19?

If you have been boosted, or you have received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months, or you got the J&J vaccine within the last 2 months:

Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
Get a COVID-19 test on day 5, if possible.
If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.

If that’s not the case:

Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
Test on day 5 if possible.
If you develop symptoms, get a test and stay home.

Get the COVID-19 Vaccine AND Booster

Vaccines are widely available in NYC, and remain highly effective, extremely safe, and offer excellent protection from severe consequences of coronavirus infection. People 5 and older are eligible for vaccination.

As of this week, vaccine booster shots have also been authorized for everyone 12 and older who is fully vaccinated. However, only the Pfizer vaccine booster has been approved for adolescents aged 12 to 15. Click here for information on when to get the booster dose, and which vaccine to get.

Vaccines are available at no cost to you and regardless of immigration status. Find a vaccine appointment online here, or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to schedule an appointment at certain sites or to receive other vaccination assistance.

Unable to visit a vaccination site? The city can bring the vaccine to you. Anyone living in the five boroughs can register to be contacted by the City to schedule an in-home vaccine.