JERICHO, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Rapid COVID-19 tests have arrived on Long Island and residents are already taking advantage of the new testing option.
There was a steady stream of cars at the ProHEALTH Urgent Care in Jericho, where people can receive the rapid COVID test from their vehicles.
The results come in about 25 minutes says the chair of Urgent Care for Optimum Tri-State Dr. Bonnie Simmons.
She tells WCBS 880 that if you feel you have been exposed to the virus, get tested immediately.
“We are seeing our percentage of positives climbing, but that's in every urgent care, every community, all over the Tri-State – Long Island, northern and southern New Jersey, and Connecticut,” Dr. Simmons said.
Among those getting tested was a woman who only wished to be identified as Rosemary. She says her husband and child tested positive for the virus just before Thanksgiving and she is anxious to receive a negative result and get back to work as a therapist.
“I’m hoping for two more negative results and, I guess, returning to the office,” she said.
She tells WCBS 880 she has been working to keep her family isolated from one another.
“it was very rough because I have a small child, it’s hard to keep him isolated. He really wanted to connect with his dad, but I had to be strict and stern with everyone being quarantined,” Rosemary said.
Dr. Simmons says everyone should be tested, even if they think they just have a cold. She stresses that the rapid test is easy to do.
“We’re just trying to make it as available as possible,” she said. “When you drive in, you give your name and date of birth, we take all the information that we need about you, and then were able to swap the nose right from the car.”
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