Town of Hempstead launches mobile Covid-19 testing initiative

Service will provide antibody and diagnostic Covid-19 testing, prevention information

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Town of Hempstead officials, along with members of Northwell Health, announced Friday the launch of Covid-19 mobile testing locations. The initiative is intended to provide increased testing to high-risk and minority communities within the town that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

Each week, three to four testing sites will be available, free of charge, at different locations throughout the town. The testing facilities will be opened Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. To find the nearest testing location, residents are asked to call (516) 821-2500.

“I’d like to thank Senator [Charles] Schumer once again for his efforts in helping to ensure this funding was available for the Hempstead community, which allows us to provide this incredible and important service,” said Town Supervisor Donald Clavin. “This collaboration with Northwell Health is one that the town is extremely proud of, and will continue our region’s ability to keep driving the numbers of Covid-19 cases down to the lowest we’ve seen since the start of the pandemic.”

“We are proud to partner with the Town of Hempstead to provide antibody and diagnostic Covid-19 testing, and share prevention information at 16 sites within Hempstead town,” said Dr. Debbie Salas-Lopez, senior vice president of community and population health at Northwell Health.  “Education and testing are the key to fostering healthy communities and limiting the spread of COVID-19.”

The Covid-19 testing schedule for the week of August 24-28 is as follows: 

— Grace Cathedral Church, 886 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale

— Town of Hempstead Parking Field O-3, Davison Avenue and Merle Avenue, Oceanside

— Five Towns Community Center, 270 Lawrence Ave., Lawrence

Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are encouraged.

Town officials recently approved a $2 million grant for Northwell Health to initiate the program. This grant enabled Northwell Health to provide residents Covid-19 antibody tests free of charge. Additionally, educational materials will be available at each site so residents can better inform themselves of ways to stay safe.

For more information about the Town of Hempstead and its efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses throughout the region, visit https://hempsteadny.gov/.