Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Saying, "We have exciting news that will change the war against COVID-19 for Western New York", Catholic Health System President and CEO Mark Sullivan announced Sunday they would begin rapid testing for COVID-19.
"The time is now, we need testing", noted Sullivan.
Following FDA approval of the test, Catholic Health approved a multi-million dollar purchase order for the test kits and a two month supply is on order. As many as 800 tests could be completed daily and 24,000 monthly with a results turnaround of less than an hour.
Catholic Health is the only provider in the area that will have the rapid tests and will work with public health officials on determining how they are utilized.
"We will be one of few in the state and few in the country", Sullivan said of the rapid testing ability for Catholic Health. "If we receive them tomorrow, we can begin testing Tuesday", said Sullivan.