Below you can find useful links to resources to help address your specific questions regarding COVID-19. We will continue to provide updates to these resources as the situation changes and new information becomes available.
Visit our Food Safety Practices page for tips and information on safely handling, cooking and storing food.
Consumer Resources
- Visit this page from the CDC to find information on how the risk of COVID-19 infection is determined in the community. Posted on February 28, 2022.
- Visit this page to find a media statement from the CDC with scientific information that shows COVID-19 boosters remain safe, and continue to offer high levels of protection against severe disease over time during the omicron and delta waves. Posted on February 15, 2022.
- Visit this page from the CDC to find a useful "Interactive Ventilation Tool" that can help you estimate how particle levels, including potential viral particles, change as you change your ventilation. Posted on February 15, 2022.
- Visit this page from the CDC to find a joint statement from the US Department of Health and Human Services on COVID-19 booster shots. Posted on August 16, 2021.
- Visit this page from the CDC to find a media statement from CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, on signing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation for an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in moderately to severely immunocompromised people. Posted on August 16, 2021.
- Visit this page from the CDC to find a COVID-19 science update that shows how long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection are a common problem and how vaccination can help prevent this problem. Posted on July 26, 2021.
- Visit this page from the CDC to find guidance for unvaccinated people on how to participate in outdoor and indoor activities. Posted on July 8, 2021.
- Visit this page from the CDC to find a toolkit with useful information for pregnant people and new parents. Posted on February 10, 2020.
- Visit this page from the CDC to find information on how to protect your home from COVID-19. Posted on December 2, 2020.
- Visit this page from the CDC to find guidelines on how to protect yourself and others during holiday gatherings. Posted on November 12, 2020.
- Visit this page from the CDC to find information on food and COVID-19. Posted on June 22, 2020.
- Visit this page from the BC FoodSafe Program to find a user friendly bleach concentration calculator. Posted on June 22, 2020.
- Visit this page from the CDC for information on cleaning and disinfecting your home. Posted on May 27, 2020.
- Visit this page from the CDC for what to do if you are sick. Posted on May 27, 2020.
- Visit this page from the FDA to find information on good nutrition and using the updated nutrition facts labels during the coronavirus pandemic. Posted on May 1, 2020.
All individuals 5 years of age and older that reside in the US are eligible to be vaccinated.
- Minors 5 years of age and older that reside in the US are eligible to receive a Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
- All individuals 16 years of age and older that reside in the US are eligible to receive a booster dose of vaccine.
Vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and other locations across the state. Visit Vaccines.gov to find appointments near you or contact your local pharmacy or provider. To schedule an appointment directly at a New York State-run site, go to New York State's vaccine scheduler and follow the instructions. Walk-in appointments are also accepted at New York State mass vaccination sites for all eligible adults. While the vaccination process is underway, New Yorkers should continue to wear a mask, social distance, avoid large gatherings and follow all other health guidelines.
Visit our Vaccine Information page for more.
COVID-19 FAQs Video Series
- Some people are still not wearing cloth face coverings when shopping, is it safe for me to pass by them in the shopping aisle?
- How long will the COVID-19 virus survive on food, food packaging and other surfaces?
- How do we know for sure COVID-19 is not transmitted though food?
- I hear a lot of big food companies are having problems with COVID-19, am I safer buying local food?
- I have a lot of cans in my pantry that are expired and frozen meat in my freezer that has been in there for a long time; is this food still safe to eat?
- I'm confused about how to handle my groceries when I come home, should I use chemicals to disinfect produce?
- Am I at risk of getting infected with COVID-19 if the food service worker or delivery person coughs or sneezes on my food and packaging?
For More Frequently Asked Questions:
Educational Videos on COVID-19 (English & Spanish)
COVID-19 Information for Food Industry Workers
IFS@CU and Cornell Cooperative Extension | Posted on May 23, 2020.
FDA-CFSAN Portal
For Questions Related to Food Safety During the COVID-19 Outbreak
- Visit this page from the FDA Center for Food Safety and Nutrition to find an electronic form where you can submit your COVID-19 food safety questions directly to the FDA Center for Food Safety and Nutrition. Posted on March 20, 2020.
- Visit this page from the FDA to find answers to frequently asked questions on COVID-19. Posted on March 20, 2020.
COVID-19 Resources & Guidance Archive
Some of the resources from this page have been archived in an effort to highlight relevant information. Please note that information in this document may be outdated and links may no longer function.