NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Positive coronavirus cases are expected to grow in New York and local officials are looking to dramatically expand testing.
As WCBS 880’s Sophia Hall reports, the state has already opened a drive-through testing center at Jones Beach.
Drivers can approach doctors in their cars and stay in isolation by keeping their windows up. Hall reports that in order to receive testing, they must show identification in order to pass through checkpoints to eventually make it to the testing location.
While some showed up hoping to be given a test out of precaution, Hall notes that the tests are scarce and are only being given on an appointment basis.
To meet the criteria, a doctor must recommend that a person be tested if they feel they are exhibiting symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus.
Patients noses and throats are swabbed in order to provide the most accurate result.
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Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Hospital Center is setting up outdoor facilities to expand hospital space, according to WCBS 880’s Peter Haskell.
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams explains the hospital will be using white tents in order to keep infected patients out of the emergency room.
“For those who don’t want them to overcrowd the emergency room, we want to do the prescreening,” Adams said.
He is looking at other possible locations to build hospital space, including the Brooklyn House of Detention and Brooklyn Cruise Ship Terminal.
Hospital president and CEO Gary Terrinoni is also looking to free up space before the coronavirus is expected to peak in the state in about 45 days.
“Placed that might have been closed over the years or repurposed, they’re allowing us to rethink those and be creative and create the capacity that we need,” he said.
Haskell notes there are currently open beds, but they’re waiting for the expected surge.