NYC - The Official Guide

Coronavirus Information and Resources

While New York City is open and vaccinations have been a boon to everyday life and local business, Covid-19 remains a reality for all of us. Below you’ll find the most useful and current information for navigating the five boroughs, plus plenty of resources for planning ahead.

NYC Updates

After more than a month of the City being in a “high” alert phase for Covid-19 transmission rates, Mayor Adams and the health commissioner announced on June 21, 2022, that the level of spread was now at "medium.” On the same day, Broadway announced that it would change its mask policy from required to optional in its theaters starting in July. Masks are suggested in indoor spaces if vaccination status is unknown, and vaccinations, boosters and common-sense precautions among those most at risk remain the most effective way to reduce the risk of transmission. 

Earlier in the year, Governor Hochul announced mask wearing was no longer be mandated by the state in indoor public places, and that schools would no longer require masking. Mayor Adams followed by lifting the mask mandate for schools as of March 7 and suspending the Key to NYC initiative—which required patrons ages 5 and older to show proof of vaccination for indoor activities at restaurants, bars, gyms, cultural venues and entertainment facilities. Individual businesses may, however, continue to require masks and proof of vaccination at their own discretion. As well, the lifting of the mandate does not extend to public transit and transit-related spaces, including the subway, airports and bus and train stations. For more information, visit ny.gov.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are available and recommended for all age groups, including—as of June 22, 2022—children between 6 months and 5 years old; see here for more details and below for where to get vaccines in the City. In December 2021, City Hall announced a vaccine mandate for all private employers in New York City. This went into effect December 27: employees who work in person must have one dose of the vaccine and follow that with a second dose within 45 days. The recent changes by the Governor and Mayor do not affect this requirement. Those who work remotely will not be required to get the vaccine.

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control recommend that everyone 5 and older get a booster shot five months after receiving a two-course dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine and two months after receiving a single dose of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine. A second booster is also recommended for adults 50 and over; it should be at least four months after the first booster and should be an mRNA (Moderna or Pfizer) vaccine. For more information, visit cdc.gov.

Masking

Mask wearing is recommended in indoor spaces. Governor Hochul had announced in February 2022 that the state mandate for masks to be worn in indoor public places was being lifted. Businesses may still choose to implement the mandate, and the mask requirement remains in effect for public transit, Broadway theaters (through the end of June) and a number of additional locations, such as health-care facilities. 

Broadway

Broadway shows have resumed their runs. To help consumers, the Broadway League has launched BwayToday.com, featuring updated schedules of all the shows playing on Broadway this season. This resource also provides access to each Broadway show’s website for more information. All listings include the most current information on performance times and reflect any last-minute cancellations.

Most Broadway theaters in New York City have stopped checking vaccinations for audience members, as well as performers, backstage crew and staff. Beginning in July, masks will be optional—though still encouraged—for audiences inside theaters. For more information, visit broadway.org.

MTA

The NYC subway continues to operate with 24-hour service. Riders must continue to wear masks. For more information, visit mta.info.

International Travel

As of November 8, 2021, international travelers may once again enter the country to visit New York City. All travelers over the age of 18 must be fully vaccinated. Full vaccination occurs two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks after receiving the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Vaccines listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization, such as the AstraZeneca vaccine, as well as FDA- or WHO-approved mixed doses, also qualify.

Testing Requirements
As of June 12, 2022, inbound international travelers will no longer be required to show proof of a recent negative Covid-19 test result. For more information, visit cdc.gov.

As of January 22, 2022, both essential and nonessential travelers who enter the States by crossing land borders or arriving by port must provide proof of full vaccination. We will continue to update this page as requirements evolve.

For the latest on international travel requirements, visit cdc.gov.

How to Get Vaccinated

Covid-19 vaccines are available in NYC to all US residents who are 6 months and older (boosters are available and recommended for those age 5 and older), including domestic visitors to the five boroughs. 

There are many ways to get vaccinated:

  • New York City offers this comprehensive vaccine-finder tool, updated on a rolling basis, which includes links to local vaccination centers and pharmacies.
  • You may call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692) to schedule an appointment and for more information.
  • A number of sites across the five boroughs are now offering walk-up appointments. You can see these here.
  • New York State operates vaccination centers, including one at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. Book appointments here (and note that it closes permanently as of June 30, 2022).
  • See other appointments nationwide with the CDC’s vaccine-finder tool.

To allow visitors access to the vaccine, the City operates a limited number of pop-up vaccination hubs in areas around the five boroughs, including near parks and transit stops; locations may change from week to week. For a list of walk-up sites and for more information, visit nyc.gov.

How to Get Tested

Covid-19 testing is widely available throughout New York City. A number of resources can assist in scheduling PCR or rapid-antigen tests: