COVID-19 Updates: Learn the latest on coronavirus in our community

VaccinesVisitor GuidelinesCOVID-19 Info
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    Visitor Restrictions: Rochester Regional Health has implemented new visitor restrictions and masking guidelines Read More 

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Stay up-to-date on the spread of COVID-19 with information on symptoms, prevention, vaccine updates, a map of local cases, and how you can help.

  • Vaccine
  • Common Questions
  • Symptoms
  • Know the Facts
  • Prevention
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  • How to Help

Visitor Restrictions: All Rochester Regional Health facilities have implemented enhanced visitor restrictions and screenings. Read more.

Common Questions About COVID-19

  • Get the latest information on the vaccines available for COVID-19, including how the vaccines were created, who should get them, safety and side effects on our COVID-19 vaccine information hub. 
  • You can get evaluated for a test at select Rochester Regional Health Immediate Care locations. Our Immediate Care locations accept walk-in evaluations and will test if deemed necessary by an on-site healthcare provider based on the testing criteria.

    View list of locations and testing questions

  • COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. The virus may cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, high fever, breathing problems, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, fatigue, & extreme exhaustion. There are other symptoms less commonly associated with COVID-19, such as headache, loss of taste and smell, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

  • Stay protected against COVID-19 by:

    • washing your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for 20 seconds
    • maintain physical distancing of six feet between other people
    • avoid touching your face
    • avoid crowds
    • wear a mask to cover your mouth and nose whenever in public, especially when unable to maintain six feet physical distance from others
  • The virus spreads from person to person by droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or be inhaled into the lungs. The virus more likely spreads when people are within about 6 feet of each other. Since COVID-19 is a new disease, we are still learning how it spreads.

  • We strongly recommend that patients and their loved ones avoid travel to COVID-19 hot spots. Individuals who travel to COVID-19 hot spots determined by New York State are obligated to self-quarantine for 14 days after departing the hot spot and returning home.

    See the list of restricted states and territories

  • Face masks and face coverings are required in public to help prevent the spread of germs. The CDC cautions the general public from wearing N95 masks since the global supply of N95 masks is limited.

    Learn how to make, wear, and remove your face mask

  • The new coronavirus and influenza (flu) are both contagious viruses that cause respiratory illnesses, and both diseases are spread worldwide. Both can cause a fever, cough, body aches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, and both can result in pneumonia. But there are many differences, like transmission, medication, and treatment options.

    Learn the differences between COVID-19 and the flu

  • There is currently no specific recommended antiviral treatment by the CDC for COVID-19. However, Rochester General Hospital is taking part in a national clinical plasma trial with the Mayo Clinic testing a new therapy for COVID-19. We’re looking for people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19, and recovered, to donate blood. The goal of the trial is to see if blood from people who have previously had COVID-19 will help patients recover from the life-threatening disease.

    Learn More About the COVID-19 Plasma Trial

  • Rochester Regional Health is providing the same safe, high-quality care at all hospitals and healthcare locations.

     

    Learn more about how we’re delivering safe care now
  • According to the CDC, a new study suggests that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to be hospitalized and are at increased risk for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and receipt of mechanical ventilation than nonpregnant women. Risk of death is similar for both groups.

    Learn more in our Q&A with Dr. Daniel Grace

Happening Now: For the latest infection numbers in Rochester, Monroe County, and New York visit our data center.

Symptoms

COVID-19 symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. The virus may cause respiratory symptoms such as:
person coughing cartoon
Coughing
person with fever cartoon
High Fever
person with breathing problems cartoon
Breathing problems
person with shortness of breath cartoon
Shortness of breath
person with chills graphic
Chills
muscle pain symptom graphic
Muscle Pain
sore throat symptom graphic
Sore Throat
loss of taste and smell symptom graphic
New loss of taste or smell

Cold vs. Flu vs. COVID-19

Symptoms
Fever
Headache
General Aches and Pains
Fatique, Weakness
Extreme Exhaustion
Stuffy Nose
Sneezing
Sore Throat
Cough
Shortness of Breath
Cold
Rare
Rare
Slight
Mild
Never
Common
Usual
Common
Mild to moderate
Rare
Flu
High
(100-102 F)can last 3-4 days
Intense
Usual(often severe)
IntenseCan last up to 2-3 weeks
Usual(starts early)
Sometimes
Sometimes
Common
Commoncan become severe
Rare
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Common
Can be present
Can be present
Can be present
Can be present
Has been reported
Has been reported
Has been reported
Common
Common
The New York State Department of Health cautions anyone experiencing symptoms to call their healthcare provider before seeking treatment in person.

COVID-19 Related Articles

Friday, April 9, 2021

Equal Access & Education: COVID-19 Vaccines

At a time where access to reliable information can directly impact health, Ebony Caldwell, EdD discusses the importance of equal access to education on the COVID-19 vaccines.

Read Article
thumbnail image

Friday, April 9, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for Ages 16 & 17

Teens aged 16 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines in New York State. Dr. Cynthia Christy answers common questions from parents & teenagers.

Read Article

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Understanding Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. Dr. Mohamad S. Mahmoud explains the signs, symptoms, and treatment of the disease.

Read Article
thumbnail image

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

3 Tips to Cope with “Return to Normal” Anxiety

Feeling anxious or uneasy about returning to normal as the pandemic ends? Dr. Garry Spink of Rochester Regional Health provides 3 tips to help cope.

Read Article
vaccination guide

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

A Go-To Guide to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

View our Guide for the latest on eligibility for and availability of COVID-19 vaccination appointments in our region.

Read Article
1b and 1c covid vaccine distribution groups

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Groups: Are You Next?

All individuals over the age of 16 who live, work or study in New York State are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines.

Read Article
What to expect at vaccine clinics

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments: What to Expect

Our team answers the most frequently asked questions we’ve received about vaccination eligibility, scheduling, and the process at area vaccination clinics.

Read Article
HCM Center of Excellence small

Friday, April 2, 2021

Cardiomyopathy Program Named Center of Excellence

The Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA) recognized Rochester Regional Health a Center of Excellence for its Cardiomyopathy program.

Read Article

Know the Facts

Separate fact from fiction and stay informed about COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of misinformation.
FACT 1

Disease doesn’t target specific races or ethnicities

COVID-19 does not target people of Asian descent more than any other race or ethnicity. Being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.

FACT 2

You can reduce your risk of getting COVID-19

Reduce the spread of COVID-19 by washing your hands as frequently as possible with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, the CDC says. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; stay home from work when you are sick; and cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

FACT 3

COVID-19 is the disease, not the virus

COVID-19 stands for "coronavirus disease 2019" and it is the name of the disease, not the virus. The official name of the virus is "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" or SARS-COV-2, according to the World Health Organization.

Coronavirus or flu? What's the difference
FACT 4

For most people, the risk of serious illness from the virus is considered low

All demographics with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems, and older adults, are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19 than the general population, according to the CDC.

FACT 5

The virus will likely spread person-to-person through many communities

The CDC reports that everyone should prepare for the possibility that COVID-19 will spread to their community at some point. Person-to-person contact is the most likely way the virus spreads, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

FACT 6

Social distancing can prevent the spread in your community

The CDC recommends social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus. It calls for people to increase the space between one another to a distance of six feet and avoid gatherings and crowds. While social distancing can be a change in your routine, there are things you can do to maintain your health and wellness.

Read more about maintaining wellness during social distancing

Prevention

Infection Preventionist for Rochester Regional Health Melissa Bronstein says the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is by washing your hands frequently and practicing social distancing

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer or an alcohol-based hand rub.

- Melissa Bronstein, Infection Preventionist, Rochester Regional Health
Stop sign hand

Do the Five

The CDC recommends doing the five to help stop the spread of the coronavirus
1. HANDS
Wash them often Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand rub such as hand-sanitizer.
2. ELBOW
Cough into it Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
3. FACE
Don't touch it Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
4. SPACE
Keep a safe distance maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
5. HOME
stay if you can Practice social distancing, stay home and avoid anyone who might be sick.

Additional Resources

  • Closings & Cancellations

    View our list of current location closings and cancellations following state and local Department of Health recommendations to minimize communal gatherings and stop the spread of COVID-19.

    View Closings and Cancellations
  • How to Help

    Thousands of people are asking how they can help in this time of crisis, so we have provided a list of ways you can support our frontline medical teams and patients at our hospitals and programs.

    View Ways You Can Help
  • ROC COVID-19

    Help our community get back to normal. Your local leaders need your help to make decisions about COVID-19 community restrictions. All you have to do is take a quick survey every day.

    Get Started Now
  • Telemedicine for COVID-19

    We have expanded the capabilities of our telemedicine technology, Care Now, to offer virtual visits to evaluate and manage patients with COVID-19.

    Read More
  • Visitor & Masking Guidelines

    Rochester Regional Health has implemented new visitor guidelines and masking requirements, following state and local Department of Health recommendations.

    View Guidelines and Restrictions
  • Transforming Care to Keep you Healthy and Safe

    While things may look a bit different when you see one of our health professionals, you can rest assured that we’re providing the same high-quality care that we always have.

    Read More
  • COVID-19 Vaccines: What You Need to Know

    Get the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccines, including how they created, who should get them, safety, side effects, distribution updates and more.

    View Additional Information
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