The Department of Health released safety guidelines for voters, encouraging them to wear masks, practice social distancing, and avoid long lines or crowds.

Itā€™s also asking New Yorkers to practice healthy hand hygiene and stay home if sick.

City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi told NY1 that elections can play a big role in the longterm health of city residents.

ā€œVoting is important for health because it affects the conditions of our community ā€” educational opportunities, access to health care, access to healthy food ā€” and so we want to make sure that people are empowered with the information they need take care of themselves as they go out to vote,ā€ he said on ā€œMornings On 1.ā€

Because voting is an essential activity, it is open everywhere, including in coronavirus hot spots.