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

VaccinesVisitor GuidelinesTestingCOVID-19 Info
Rochester Regional Health logo
  • MyCare
  • Pay My Bill
  • Give
  • Find A Doctor
  • Locations

    We provide services at more than 400 locations across the region. Find the location that's most convenient for you!

    View All Locations

    • Hospitals
    • Primary Care Locations
    • Immediate Care
    • Laboratories
    • Imaging Centers
    • Pharmacies
  • Services We Offer

    Search our services and programs offered by our experts at our hundreds of locations throughout Western New York and the Finger Lakes region.

    Search ServicesView List

    Popular Services

    • Bariatrics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Bone & Joint (Orthopaedics)
    • Brain & Spine (Neurosciences)
    • Breast Center
    • Cancer Care
    • COVID-19 Testing
    • Critical Care
    • Heart Care
    • Imaging & Radiology
    • Immediate Care
    • Laboratories
    • Primary Care
    • Pediatrics
    • Senior Care
    • Surgery
    • Women's Health
  • Patient & Visitor Support
    Visitor Restrictions: Rochester Regional Health has implemented new visitor restrictions and masking guidelines Read More 

    Learn how to plan your visit or hospital stay, pay your bill, contact us, and more information about visiting any of our facilities.

    Learn More

    Plan Your Visit to

    • Rochester General Hospital
    • Unity Hospital
    • Newark-Wayne Community Hospital
    • United Memorial Medical Center
    • Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic

    Your Hospital Stay

    • What to Bring
    • Your Hospital Room
    • Your Care Team
    • Going Home

    Resources

    • Billing & Insurance
    • Cost Estimates
    • Language Assistance
    • MyCare Patient Portal
    • Patient Polices & Forms
  • Our Story

    Our mission centers on a commitment to innovation, advocating for better care, and an abiding dedication to caring for our community.

    Learn MoreExplore Health Hive

    • About
    • Our History
    • Community Investment
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Quality & Safety
    • Facts & Statistics
    • Executive Leadership Team
    • Media and Public Relations
  • Medical Education & Research

    Our leading medical education and research are at the forefront of healthcare innovation. Find the residency program, fellowship, or training program that's right for you, or explore our research and clinic trials.

    Learn More

    Education

    • Residency Programs
    • Fellowships
    • Training & Educational Programs

    Research Efforts

    • RGH Research Institute
    • Clinical Systems Biology
    • Center for Clinical Research
    • Neurology Research
    • Human Research Protection

    Resources

    • Medical Education Office
    • Werner Medical Library
    • Current Clinical Trials
    • RIT Alliance
  • Join Our Team
  • MyCare
  • Pay My Bill
  • Give
virus background image illustrtion

Coronavirus in Our Community

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.

  • Map
  • Common Questions
  • Symptoms
  • Know the Facts
  • Prevention
  • How We're Prepared
  • How to Help

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

Map of Coronavirus Spread

Track the spread of COVID-19 as it continues to travel through New York State and the United States. To view the current confirmed cases for a particular county, click on the corresponding circle. The circle's location represents data in each county, not the closest city or town. The map is updated automatically as new cases are confirmed.

Common Questions About COVID-19

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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 York State Department of Health requires that everyone in New York wear a face covering when in public. The three most common types of face coverings are cloth face coverings (most common), surgical masks (used in healthcare settings) and N95 respirators (recommended only for healthcare personnel for specific procedures and circumstances).

     

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

  • All ages and demographics are at risk of becoming infected. According to the CDC, older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions seem to be at a higher risk.

  • 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

  • Attending a wedding or public gathering increases your risk of spreading COVID-19 and potentially being exposed. However, if you decide to attend a wedding, there are precautions you can take to reduce your risk. New York State requires that all public gatherings allow for people to be at least six feet apart and all attendees wear a mask whenever physical distancing isn’t possible.

     

    What to know about weddings and COVID-19
  • 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

  • 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. 
  • 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
  • The coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, and those droplets enter your mouth, nose, or possibly inhaled into the lungs. Even if this occurs outside, you can become infected with coronavirus. However, coronavirus droplets do not carry far in the wind. The wind may slightly increase the distance the particles travel before reaching the ground, but it won’t stay in the air for long. Most cases of transmission occur indoors, or when in close proximity for extended periods outdoors.

     

    Read more about how coronavirus spreads outside

  • Cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing are steps you can take to keep your house and car a safe place during the coronavirus pandemic.

     

    Read our guidance on how to clean for COVID-19

  • 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

  • Children under the age of 18 are susceptible to COVID-19. While current evidence shows that most positive cases are among adults, children have developed COVID-19 symptoms and can be at risk for developing other serious respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV.

     

    Learn the difference between coronavirus, flu, and RSV

  • Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a serious, but rare, health condition in children that has been connected to COVID-19 by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MIS-C has been compared to Kawasaki Disease because it shares similar symptoms, but MIS-C is a different illness.

    Symptoms for MIS-C vary from case to case, but some include: prolonged fever, rash, conjunctivitis, stomachache, vomiting and/or diarrhea, swollen lymph node in the neck, red cracked lips, swollen hands and/or feet, irritability, and/or unusual sleepiness or weakness. It is currently unknown if Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome is specific to children or if it also occurs in adults. 

    Learn more symptoms, treatment & prevention

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

COVID-19 Related Articles

Senior getting covid vaccine

Friday, January 22, 2021

Why Are Seniors 65+ Getting COVID-19 Vaccinations First?

Seniors 65 years and older are at a higher risk of hospitalization, illness, intensive care, a ventilator to help them breathe, or death from COVID-19 than younger demographics.

Read Article
New strain of covid

Friday, January 22, 2021

New Strain of Coronavirus: What We Know

A new, more transmissible strain of the coronavirus, B.1.1.7, first emerged in the U.K. in September. Now, the B.1.1.7 variant has appeared in various states throughout the U.S.

Read Article
Child and parents getting covid vaccine

Friday, January 22, 2021

When Can Kids Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

While current projections show that most American adults will get a COVID-19 vaccination during the spring or early summer of 2021, parents are looking for guidance on when children can expect to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Read Article
Who shouldn't get the covid vaccine

Friday, January 22, 2021

These Groups Should Wait Before Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccines provides protection against coronavirus for most adults, but there are a small group of people who should wait before getting the vaccine. Learn more from Drs. Shahzad Mustafa and Nadia Kousar.

Read Article
Cervical cancer prevention

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention and More

Cervical cancer is a dangerous form of cancer that impacts thousands of women each year, but it’s also one of the most preventable. Dr. Rebecca Alicandro, OBGYN for Rochester Regional Health, explains how women can recognize signs of cervical cancer, prevention tips, and more.

Read Article
What to expect at vaccine clinics

Thursday, January 21, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments: What to Expect

Our Rochester Regional Health team answers the most frequently asked questions we’ve received about vaccination eligibility, scheduling, and the process at both our drive-thru and in-person vaccination clinics.

Read Article

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.
Match with a local healthcare provider

For urgent questions and concerns about the virus, call the New York State hotline:
1-888-364-3065.

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.

How We're Prepared

All Rochester Regional Health locations are taking diligent precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We have enacted additional protocols to go along with our already robust standard procedures to protect our employees, patients and community.
In collaboration with the Monroe County Health Department and the New York State Department of Health, we are now focused on managing the spread of COVID-19. Our health system is playing an active role in doing this and in testing and treating patients with COVID-19.

Learn about our testing proceduresRead about our new Telehealth services

Meet our Experts

  • robert mayo

    Robert Mayo, MD

    Chief Medical Officer Executive Vice President COVID-19 Task Force

    View Profile
  • Melissa Bronstein

    Director, Infection Prevention and Control COVID-19 Task Force

  • Hiloni Bhavsar

    Hiloni Bhavsar, MD

    Chief Quality Officer COVID-19 Task Force

    View Profile
  • lesho

    Emil Lesho, DO

    Infection Disease Specialist

    View Profile
New York State has set up a hotline for citizens with questions and concerns about the coronavirus: 1-888-364-3065. You can also call our Rochester Regional Health hotline at (585) 922-INFO for additional questions.

Closing and Cancellations: View the list of current Rochester Regional Health location closings and cancellations. View list.

help support

How to Help

Thousands of people are asking how they can help in this time of crisis, so Rochester Regional Health is maintaining 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 logo

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
health hive logo

Get Email Updates

Sign up for our Health Hive newsletter to receive our top stories and tips to help you live a longer, healthier life.
Thanks! We've added you to our Health Hive newsletter
Enhancing Lives. Preserving Health.
Contact Us

Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Our Services
  • Patients & Visitors
  • Billing & Insurance
  • Classes & Events
  • Health Hive - News Hub
  • Closings & Cancellations

Company

  • About Us
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Volunteer
  • Sustainability
  • Quality and Safety
  • Clinical Trials
  • ACM Global Laboratories
  • ElderONE
  • GRIPA
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources

  • Make a Gift
  • Sponsorships
  • MyCare
  • Medical Education & Research
  • Healthcare Professionals
  • Employees
  • Workday
Rochester Regional Health Logo
© 2021 Rochester Regional Health. All rights reserved.
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Language Assistance
  • Non Discrimination