Suffolk Veterans Now Eligible For Rapid Coronavirus Test: Bellone

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Veterans in Suffolk County are now eligible to be tested for the coronavirus under the county's first responder COVID-19 testing program, Executive Steve Bellone announced Wednesday.

The county launched the program in December, which provided hundreds of rapid COVID-19 tests to active local fire service, emergency medical service providers, and law enforcement. Eligible veterans will be able to sign up for an appointment through a reservation-based online system. A registration link will be sent to local veterans organizations.

"While we await the mass distribution of the vaccine, we know that testing is one of our most valuable tools in combating this virus," Bellone said in a news release. "After a successful launch last month, we have not only extended the duration of the program but have expanded the testing to include local veterans."

The Suffolk County Departments of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES), Department of Health Services and Division of Emergency Medical Services will continue to conduct rapid testing at various locations throughout Suffolk on the following dates. Testing sites and times will be provided to first responders and veterans when they confirm their appointments.

• Saturday, Jan. 16
• Sunday, Jan. 17
• Saturday, Jan. 23
• Sunday, Jan. 24
• Saturday, Jan. 30
• Sunday, Jan. 31

The first responder testing initiative is free to active fire and EMS providers, law enforcement agencies, and veterans. Those who believe they were recently exposed to the coronavirus, or are experience COVID-19 symptoms, will get priority.

Registration links will be distributed by local veterans organizations via the county. The Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency will work with local organizations to spread awareness and encourage participation. Appointments are required and must be made through the reservation-based system, as no walk-ins will be permitted.

As part of the program, Long Island Cares will provide 12 to 15-pound bags of assorted nutritious nonperishables to veterans in need, along with distributing information on their Veterans Project.

Michael W. Haynes, chief government affairs officer of Long Island Cares, Inc., said the food bank is committed to supporting veterans on the island.

"In this spirit, we are grateful to Suffolk County Executive Bellone for the opportunity to provide nutritious food to the veterans capitalizing on this opportunity to be tested alongside the County’s first responders," Haynes said. "We will also be providing each veteran we speak with information on our acclaimed Veterans Project which provides food, supplies, employment assistance, and care coordination services to veterans."

Suffolk veterans who have any questions regarding the program were encouraged by the county to contact Suffolk 311.