BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - All Erie County residents are eligible to get a free coronavirus test through the county-run sites, the health department said Tuesday.
The county previously had limits on who was able to get a test to those with symptoms or were under quarantine because of close contact. While the testing is open to all residents, officials said residents who should strongly consider getting a COVID-19 test include those with any coronavirus symptoms and those who were in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case.
"The addition of new state-of-the-art equipment in our Public Health Lab has increased our daily capacity to perform PCR (molecular) diagnostic testing," Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein said in a statement. "Between our Public Health Lab and point-of-care (rapid) tests on-site, we want to make sure that we are providing diagnostic tests to people who need them and who want to know their status."
Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 858-2929. The change does not affect eligibility at other private or state-run diagnostic testing sites.
