NEW YORK (WKBW) — New York State has launched a rapid COVID-19 testing program which is aimed to help businesses and catered events reopen safely.
The private-public partnership will make will make low-cost rapid COVID-19 testing available to the public.
On Friday, 11 initial rapid COVID-19 testing sites opened in New York City with the capacity to conduct 5,000 rapid COVID-19 tests per day, with more expected to open across New York State in the coming weeks.
"Throughout the COVID pandemic, we have relied on science over emotion and political rhetoric to guide our decisions, using all the tools available to navigate New York's public health and economic challenges," Governor Cuomo said. "I have said from the beginning that testing will be a key part of our post-pandemic recovery because it will help us accelerate the reopening of our economy - without undoing the extraordinary progress we made in beating back the virus. With testing sites located throughout the City, the New York Forward Rapid Test Program will help us ensure that we are encouraging economic activity while minimizing the risks to people's health."
Beginning on March 15th, catered events at venues with no more than 50 percent capacity or 150 people can take place, as long as attendees are tested prior to the event.
BioReference Laboratories, which can be found at certain CVS pharmacies across the state, Clarity MedHealth, and Quest Diagnostics will provide the testing for under $30, where you can get your results within 30 minutes.
You can make an appointment to get tested by clicking here.
