NY Expands Coronavirus Rapid Test Sites In Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — New York is expanding the number of locations where rapid tests for the new coronavirus can be taken.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said 25 new sites will open Thursday around the state, with four in the lower and mid-Hudson Valley.

Ten more sites will open within the next two weeks, bringing the statewide total to 70.

The public-private partnership — first announced in Cuomo's 2021 State of The State address in February — makes low-cost rapid testing available to the public to support enhanced economic activity as the state continues to reopen sectors of the economy.

Cuomo said he has stressed many times that testing is a key part of reopening the economy and expanding the New York Forward Rapid Test Program will help the state in its metrics and tracing capabilities.

"These new rapid testing sites will be invaluable tools for communities and businesses because they will provide an additional layer of protection as New Yorkers return to their economic activities," he said in a prepared statement.

New Yorkers can find a test site and make an appointment here, and download proof of their negative test result on the State's Excelsior Pass, which launched last month.

The governor's office said several of these sites will open at arenas, stadiums and venues, or nearby, complementing the state's reopening guidelines, which allow professional sports competitions with fans and other entertainment events to resume if all attendees present proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test or immunization. Of course, they must also follow additional health and safety protocols, including social distancing, face coverings and health screenings.

Providers participating in the network must make rapid testing available for no more than $30, provide people being tested with their results within 30 minutes, offer a way to schedule tests in advance and report the results to the state.

The state said the following new test locations will be open Thursday, April 1:

• Quest Diagnostics, 695 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie
• Quest Diagnostics, 30 Hatfield Lane, Goshen
• Quest Diagnostics, 978 Route 45 Ste 202, Pomona
• Quest Diagnostics, 970 North Broadway, Suite 205, Yonkers

The following open test locations were announced previously:

• Quest Diagnostics, 380 Washington Avenue, Kingston
• Quest Diagnostics, 1869A East Main Street, Beach Shopping Center, Peekskill
• Quest Diagnostics, 280 Dobbs Ferry Road, White Plains

Like Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.