51-30 Northern Blvd. Woodside; Formerly Sports Authority and Used Car Lot. (Photo: Google Maps)
May 14, 2020 By Allie Griffin
A new COVID-19 testing center will open in Woodside in about two weeks, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced from City Hall today.
The site, at 51-30 Northern Blvd., is one of 10 new testing facilities across the five boroughs that will open the week of May 25, de Blasio said.
The new centers are part of the mayor’s initiative to rapidly expand the city’s testing capacity as his team prepares to test and trace all COVID-19 cases in New York City.
The city will be able to test 10,700 people each day starting the week of May 25 — across all open sites.
De Blasio said the city is also lowering the eligibility requirements for New Yorkers to get tested as more tests become available.
Previously, the mayor and health commissioner asked that only the elderly and those with underlying conditions who exhibit symptoms of the virus get tested because testing was limited.
Today, de Blasio said anyone who exhibits symptoms regardless of their age or whether they have underlying conditions can now be tested, as well as anyone who has been in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus — even if they show no symptoms.
People who work in a congregate setting, like a nursing home, shelter or adult care facility can also be tested as well as healthcare workers, first responders and other essential employees.
City-run COVID-19 diagnostic testing centers in Queens currently open include the below:
Elmhurst Hospital, located at 79-01 Broadway in Elmhurst
Queens Hospital, located at 82-68 164th St. in Jamaica
Woodside Medical Center, located at 50-53 Newtown Rd. in Woodside
York College parking lot/ One Medical pop-up, located at 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. in Jamaica (by appointment only, call (888) 663-6331 or visit onemedical.com)
Additionally, the city opened a COVID-19 antibody testing facility at 34-09 Queens Blvd. in Long Island City this week.
The antibody tests are appointment only. New York City residents 18 years and older can schedule an appointment online or by calling 888-279-0967.
The State has also established temporary testing centers at 24 churches in predominantly minority communities throughout the larger New York City area.
Each center will offer both COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody testing free of charge. The public must schedule an appoint for either test by calling 833-422-7369.
Four Queens churches are participating in the program in partnership with Northwell Health.
The Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York, located at 110-31 Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica, will be open for testing from May 13 through May 17.
The New Jerusalem Worship Center, located at 122-05 Smith St. in Jamaica, will be open for testing from May 13 through May 17 as well.
The Greater Springfield Community Church, located at 177-06 129th Ave. in Jamaica, will be open for testing from May 20 through May 24.
The First Baptist Church, located at 100-10 Astoria Blvd., will be open for testing from May 20 to May 24.
Last month, the State also began an initiative to provide onsite COVID-19 diagnostic testing and health services at eight NYCHA developments, including Long Island City’s Queensbridge Houses and the Rockaways’ Red Fern Houses and Hammel Houses.
Testing is free to all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider or by calling the New York State COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
Many private providers are now offering both diagnostic and antibody testing throughout the borough as well.
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One Comment
Walked by today and the old parking lot has been transformed into a organized MASH style compound. Construction crew all wearing PPE and distancing when possible. I was pleasantly surprised to see the follow through on this project.