Information on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Metro Community Health Centers (MCHC) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our patients. Due
to the growing number of cases of COVID-19 in the New York City Area we are asking patients to do the
following:

Please call ahead if you or your patient is experiencing cough, fever or difficulty breathing or
any flu-like symptoms. This will allow us to fast track patients in and out of the health center.

Do not arrive early to appointments. We would like to decrease the amount of time patients are
sitting in the waiting rooms.

Please inform front desk staff if you have traveled outside of the country or to any areas
affected by COVID-19 OR have been in contact with someone who has.

We currently DO NOT have the ability to test for the COVID-19 virus.

Please stay informed and prepared by getting updates from the:
+ CDC- Novel Coronavirus
+ New York State Department of Health
+ You can text COVID to 692-692 for regular updates from the NYC Department of health. (Messages and data rates may apply.)

What is the Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19):

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that CAN cause either mild illness, such as a cold or can make
people sick with pneumonia. Recently a NEW coronavirus, called COVID-19, has been detected. COVID-
19 can be spread from person to person. Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 or any
other coronavirus, but the development is currently underway.

Symptoms of COVID-19:
The most common symptoms are:
+ Fever
+ Cough
+ Shortness of breath

Other possible symptoms can include flu-like symptoms and fatigue and muscle aches. The Center for
Disease Control (CDC) reports at this time that symptoms can appear between 2-14 days after exposure.
Symptoms can be mild to severe. Those who are older and those with underlying health conditions are
at greater risk for complications from COVID-19.

How is Coronavirus Transmitted

The CDC reports that that the virus is transmitted from person to person. It can be transmitted through
respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes and coughs.