51-30 Northern Blvd. Woodside; Formerly Sports Authority and Used Car Lot. (Photo: Google Maps)
May 14, 2020 By Allie Griffin
A new COVID-19 testing center will open in Woodside in about two weeks, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced from City Hall today.
The site, at 51-30 Northern Blvd., is one of 10 new testing facilities across the five boroughs that will open the week of May 25, de Blasio said.
The new centers are part of the mayor’s initiative to rapidly expand the city’s testing capacity as his team prepares to test and trace all COVID-19 cases in New York City.
The city will be able to test 10,700 people each day starting the week of May 25 — across all open sites.
De Blasio said the city is also lowering the eligibility requirements for New Yorkers to get tested as more tests become available.
Previously, the mayor and health commissioner asked that only the elderly and those with underlying conditions who exhibit symptoms of the virus get tested because testing was limited.
Today, de Blasio said anyone who exhibits symptoms regardless of their age or whether they have underlying conditions can now be tested, as well as anyone who has been in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus — even if they show no symptoms.
People who work in a congregate setting, like a nursing home, shelter or adult care facility can also be tested as well as healthcare workers, first responders and other essential employees.
City-run COVID-19 diagnostic testing centers in Queens currently open include the below:
Elmhurst Hospital, located at 79-01 Broadway in Elmhurst
Queens Hospital, located at 82-68 164th St. in Jamaica
Woodside Medical Center, located at 50-53 Newtown Rd. in Woodside
York College parking lot/ One Medical pop-up, located at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. in Jamaica (by appointment only, call (888) 663-6331 or visit onemedical.com)
Additionally, the city opened a COVID-19 antibody testing facility at 34-09 Queens Blvd. in Long Island City this week.
The antibody tests are appointment only. New York City residents 18 years and older can schedule an appointment online or by calling 888-279-0967.
The State has also established temporary testing centers at 24 churches in predominantly minority communities throughout the larger New York City area.
Each center will offer both COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing free of charge. The public must schedule an appoint for either test by calling 833-422-7369.
Four Queens churches are participating in the program in partnership with Northwell Health.
The Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York, located at 110-31 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica, will be open for testing from May 13 through May 17.
The New Jerusalem Worship Center, located at 122-05 Smith St. in Jamaica, will be open for testing from May 13 through May 17 as well.
The Greater Springfield Community Church, located at 177-06 129th Ave. in Jamaica, will be open for testing from May 20 through May 24.
The First Baptist Church, located at 100-10 Astoria Blvd., will be open for testing from May 20 to May 24.
Last month, the State also began an initiative to provide onsite COVID-19 diagnostic testing and health services at eight NYCHA developments, including Long Island City’s Queensbridge Houses and the Rockaways’ Red Fern Houses and Hammel Houses.
Testing is free to all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider or by calling the New York State COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
Many private providers are now offering both diagnostic and antibody testing throughout the borough as well.
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3 Comments
Good they need ramp up testing, in many spots they even refused to test people who had symptoms and just told them to stay home. That’s ridiculous. It’s also good to know they will do both tests at each location. Many want to know if they may have had it, I got an antibody test done this week because in Jan/Feb I was coughing like crazy for about a month and felt like sh!t. Came back negative that I previously had it but it was at least nice to know yes or no.
My heart goes out to you if your comment is sincere. If this is the case, there are food pantries available as well as programs that provide meals. Call 311.
Now if your comment is just a sarcastic comment then my response to you is as follows: Oh yes, food will be served and you will have a choice of 3 entrees. They were named for people who use their comments to show their insensitivity to others. Here are the names of the entrees. Please pick the one that you closely align with.
I am insensitive
I am a real jerk
My IQ is sub parr
Remember in life, you get what you give. No matter who you are Stay Safe!
Will they give food after test? We so hungry in Queens.