As we move around the city more, it is important to continue to take steps to help prevent getting and spreading COVID-19.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and effective. For more information, visit nyc.gov/covidvaccine. To find a vaccination site, visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).
Everyone must wear a face covering on all public transportation (including car services), even if vaccinated against COVID-19. Also, everyone should stay home if they have COVID-19 symptoms or recently tested positive for COVID-19, whether or not they are vaccinated.
Tips to make your trip safer and easier:
• Choose walking or bicycling when possible. Walking and bicycling reduce crowding, are good for the environment and build exercise into your day.
• If biking, always wear a helmet and plan your route to use protected bike lanes as much as possible. Download a bike map here. Visit the NYC Department of Transportation’s website to learn about NYC biking laws and safety tips.
• Visit new.mta.info before you leave to find out if there is a problem on your transit line. You can also sign up for email and text alerts.
• If taking a car service, always wear a seat belt.
If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, take these additional precautions
General rules of the road
• Be prepared. Bring alcohol-based hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and a face covering.
• Make a travel plan. Think about the most direct, least crowded and safest way to get to your destination.
• Time it right. Travel during non peak hours if possible and allow extra time for travel changes.
• Keep it clean. Use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces, such as door handles, handrails, seat belts and payment machines. Wash your hands with soap and water when you arrive at your destination. Use touch less payment when possible.
Walking and biking
• Avoid crowded streets when possible.
• Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth when it is not possible to maintain at least 6
feet of distance from others.
• Use disinfecting wipes to clean frequently touched surfaces of shared bikes before and after use,
such as handlebars, gear shifts, break handles and the sea
Subways, rail, buses and ferries
• Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth at all times.
• Keep as much distance from others as possible when waiting for and riding transportation.
• Use all available doors to reduce crowding.
• If the train, bus or ferry is too crowded, wait for the next one.
• Hold handrails, subway bars and handles, but avoid touching your face.
• If the weather permits, stay outside when on the ferry.
Car services (taxis, app-based car services, livery services and Access-A-Ride)
• Travel alone or with members of your household or social bubble.
• Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth at all times. If the driver is not wearing a face covering or is wearing it incorrectly, ask them to wear one correctly if you feel safe doing so or wait for another car.
• Increase ventilation by asking the driver to open the windows or set the air ventilation to non-recirculation mode.
• Sit in the back seat and as far away from the driver as possible (such as the back passenger-side seat or, if in a multi-row vehicle, the back row).
• If the vehicle has a plastic divider, ask the driver to keep it closed.
Watch this short video for some more tips https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-T9x-ywCtY
Taking these precautions may not necessarily prevent you from getting the virus, but the risks would be minimized.
