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Coronavirus Updates: NYC Expands Free COVID-19 Testing To All

By

Elizabeth Kim

Published Jun 3, 2020

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Protesters sit about six feet apart on East End Avenue outside of Gracie Mansion

 

Vanessa Carvalho/Shutterstock

By

Elizabeth Kim

Published Jun 3, 2020

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This is our daily update of breaking COVID-19 news for Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020. Previous daily updates can be found here, and up-to-date statistics are here.

Read our guide to understanding New York on PAUSE, NY's stay-at-home order, as well as what the upstate reopening means (NYC is expected to move into Phase 1 on June 8th); a look at preparing for the spread of coronavirus is here, and if you have lingering questions about the virus, here is our regularly updated coronavirus FAQ. Here are some local and state hotlines for more information: NYC: 311; NY State Hotline: 888-364-3065; NJ State Hotline: 800-222-1222.

Here's the latest:

Three months after the start of the devastating coronavirus crisis, New York City is officially providing free testing to all New Yorkers.

The lack of testing both in New York and other places across the country has been widely blamed as one of the reasons the virus spread so quickly, turning the United States into the epicenter of the pandemic.

As of Wednesday, more than 1.8 million Americans are known to have been infected. Here in New York City, there have been more than 201,000 confirmed cases.

“Widespread testing holds the key to re-opening our city safely,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, in a statement. “After months of fighting, we are finally able to say that every New Yorker who needs a test will get one."

At the onset of the crisis, according to the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tests were limited to those who exhibited symptoms and who had visited China. Most recently, the city said that tests would be reserved for first responders, healthcare and congregate facility workers, those with symptoms and those who have been in close contact with someone who tested positive.

The city now has more than 150 testing sites, with the ability to test roughly 20,000 people a day. Tests at 36 city-run sites are free and available on a walk-in basis.

Diagnostic tests for the virus have become significantly less invasive. Testing may involve using a nasal swab, oral swab or obtaining a saliva sample.

Under New York City's test and trace initiative, health officials have hired 1,700 contact tracers who will help identify track contacts of confirmed COVID-positive cases. The city is also offering hotel room to those who need a space to quarantine.

New Yorkers wishing to get tested should visit nyc.gov/CovidTest or call 311 to find the sites nearest them. Find the free city-run test sites here.

Tagged

COVID-19

covid-19 updates

coronavirus

Elizabeth Kim

Elizabeth Kim is a reporter on the People and Power desk who covers mayoral power. She previously covered the pandemic, housing, redevelopment and public spaces. A native of Queens, she speaks fluent Mandarin. Got a tip? Email [email protected]

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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