testing

The FDA has approved New York State to authorize the state's 28 public and private labs to begin manual, semi-automated and automated testing for novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.  The approval allows the state to dramatically increase testing capacity to thousands of tests per day. The approval also extends to the Roche high-volume platform for testing. Testing is free to all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider or by calling the NYS COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.  If you go to a test site run by New York State, there is never any charge for your test.

If you go to a test site operated by local governments, private companies including pharmacies and medical practices or not-for-profit organizations, you are advised to check with the testing site and your insurer in advance of being tested to confirm you will not be responsible for any fees associated with your test.  Your local health department is your community contact for COVID19 concerns.

New, Less Intrusive Test

New York State's Wadsworth Lab has developed a new, less intrusive test for COVID-19. The new test is done through a saliva sample and a self-administered short nasal swab in the presence of a health care professional. Additionally, health care professionals can self-administer the test without another health care professional present. 

More Testing Sites and Antibody Tests for New Yorkers

With the city now in phase 2 of reopening, Mayor de Blasio announced today that NYC Health + Hospitals will now offer free COVID-19 antibody tests at its 11 acute care facilities and select Gotham Heath sites. In a push to expand testing citywide, the City will also open new testing sites through a partnership with CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) with a focus on serving vulnerable communities in neighborhoods hardest hit by the virus.

"As we venture outdoors to dine and enjoy the sunshine, we can't forget that widespread testing is still the key to reopening our city safely," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "Getting a test should be simple, fast, and convenient, which is why we are bringing antibody and swab tests to the doorstep of every New Yorker—especially those in communities hardest hit by the virus."

NYC Health + Hospitals will now offer free antibody testing for New Yorkers at its 11 acute care facilities for New Yorkers who have not had COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID-19 tests within the past two weeks. Beginning June 29th, antibody testing will expand to 11 Gotham Community Health Center sites as well.

Tests are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM on a walk-in basis. Patients will receive their testing results within 24 hours electronically via the public hospital system's electronic health record system, MyChart. Testing is available free of charge and at no-additional cost to the patient. Patients with insurance will be asked for their insurance information, but will pay no copays.

With an emphasis on serving seniors in partnership with NYCHA and DFTA, CORE will be operating mobile testing units in the Bronx on June 27th, Manhattan on July 2-3rd,  and Queens on July 6-7th. Registering for an appointment is encouraged and can be completed here. Walk- in appointments will be accommodated as well.

Where can I get tested?

There are hundreds of convenient testing sites across the city. There are also have mobile testing units visiting boroughs.

  • Check COVID-19 Resource Center.
  • NYC Health and Hospital: Call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or 311 (as there are over 6000 calls daily, expect delay and wait time)

CORE testing sites will be operating at the following locations and hours:

Manhattan

Vladeck Houses (Mobile Testing Unit)
356 Madison Street, New York, NY, 10002
Thursday-Friday, July 2-3, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM

In a partnership with SOMOS, the City will also open 20 testing sites in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens. Sites will provide both diagnostic and antibody tests. To encourage more New Yorkers to get tested, sites will operate out of pediatric clinics to encourage families to get tested together, with an additional 30 sites opening over the next few weeks. Clinics will operate from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with some clinics offering weekend hours. Appointments can be made by calling  1-833-SOMOS-NY (#2 to make an appointment) 

"All New Yorkers should get a Covid-19 nasal swab test and an antibody test as this will be critical to providing patients and governments the essential information they need to help the local economies reopen," said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. "We are committed to providing all New Yorkers with necessary information about their health and their potential exposure to Covid-19. 

Can I Be Tested?

As New York State aggressively expands COVID-19 diagnostic testing capacity, the Department of Health has revised guidance to increase testing for frontline workers, including all first responders, health care workers, and essential employees who interact with the public, while continuing to prioritize resources. Testing for COVID-19 shall be authorized by a health care provider for individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • An individual is symptomatic or has a history of symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, and/or trouble breathing), particularly if the individual is 70 years of age or older, the individual has a compromised immune system, or the individual has an underlying health condition; or
  • An individual has had close (i.e. within six feet) or proximate contact with a person known to be positive with COVID-19; or
  • An individual is subject to a precautionary or mandatory quarantine; or
  • An individual is employed as a health care worker, first responder, or other essential worker who directly interacts with the public while working; or
  • An individual presents with a case where the facts and circumstances – as determined by the treating clinician in consultation with state or local department of health officials – warrant testing; or
  • An individual is included under other criteria set by the NYS Dept. of Health based on an individual's geographic place of residence, occupation, or other factors that the Department may deem relevant for COVID-19 testing purposes; or
  • Any individual who would return to workplace in Phase 1; or

  • Any individual who attended any of the recent protests across the state.

Interested in being tested for COVID-19? Use this screening tool to share your symptoms and pre-register for testing (provided by coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing)

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Get information on coronavirus testing near you. Simply enter your address and find locations that provide coronavirus testing.

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