Rapid, Low-Cost Covid Test Sites Arrive In Lower Manhattan

A senior patient and a female doctor meet in a medical clinic while wearing protective face masks to avoid the transfer of germs.

Low-cost, 30-minute coronavirus testing sites have opened in Lower Manhattan as part of the state’s plan to reopen businesses safely. 

The tests will cost no more than $30; the public-private partnership is opening 11 sites across the city, with the ability to do 5,000 tests a day. The sites include several in Lower Manhattan:

Clarity MedHealth mobile lab at the New York City Police Memorial, Liberty Street and South End Avenue

Clarity MedHealth mobile lab at the Irish Hunger Memorial, Vesey Street and North End Avenue

Clarity MedHealth mobile lab at Pier A, 22 Battery Place

See the full list of sites here; to make an appointment, visit this page. 

The goal of the new sites, according to an announcement from Governor Cuomo, is “building consumer confidence,” and allowing New Yorkers to accelerate the reopening of the state’s economy, including culture sites and events. Basically, the state hopes faster tests at more sites means people will feel safer and more confident going into public places and spending money at local businesses. 

This comes on the heels of Cuomo announcing that the state will loosen some pandemic restrictions, including allowing events at arts and entertainment venues to operate at 33% capacity. Movie theaters also are allowed to reopen at limited capacity this Friday. 

Reminder, of course, that a negative test result is not a free pass to go about your life carefree, coughing into the racks at sample sales and guffawing maskless at the “Tom & Jerry” movie. You could still have virus in your system or be at risk of spreading it, but the tests help get a snapshot of how much virus is in the community at any time. Make sure to keep your mask on and continue to practice social distancing, no matter how good the sale is. 

photo: iStock