I live in NYC and when we heard they were coming to my area as the first district to do Covid-19 Nasopharyngeal Swab testing (and it was free), I made sure to get the nasal swab test. Results take 3 (business). days to come to your My Chart Account or they’ll call you in 5 (business) days. This was my experience.
I got on line and was given a number. I was #69. Now they were taking people out of order, which was a little odd, but they must have had a reason.
What You’ll Need With You
Make sure you have ID — I had my drivers License with me and they accepted it. You also need to wear your mask on line and observe social distancing. They want your name, address, and phone number (which they will use to call you). FYI, you are now in their system.
Getting the Nasal Swabbing Done
Here’s my video of my experience. I am out of frame a little when I am swabbed, but that was not on purpose.
How It Felt
They stick a small plastic straw up each nostril and swab around for 10 seconds. You will feel it, but it wasn’t that bad. I have sinus issues and I did feel the test more my right nostril and my husband told me he felt it strongly in one of his nostrils (and he doesn’t have any sinus issues). My eyes were watering after, but I was really okay. There will be tissues there and the staff was very professional.
Important
- All New Yorkers should get a COVID-19 diagnostic test, whether or not they have symptoms or are at increased risk. Tests are fast, simple and free. You should look for a testing site near your home.
- You will not be asked about immigration status. COVID-19 testing and care services are not a public benefit under the public charge rule (PDF).
Repeat Testing
If you have already been tested and were found to be negative, you should get another test if:
- You have symptoms of COVID-19.
- You or your provider is concerned by a possible exposure, such as:
- Spending time in large crowds
- An exposure to someone with confirmed or possible COVID-19
- Breaches in wearing a face covering or maintaining physical distancing
- You work in a residential congregate setting, such as a nursing home or shelter.
- You are planning to visit someone at highest risk for severe COVID-19 illness, including people 65 or older and people with serious underlying medical conditions.
- Try to maintain strict physical distancing and other precautions for at least 10 days before you get tested. If you have had COVID-19 symptoms within the last 14 days, no matter how minor, postpone your visit.
Get more info at http://www.testandtrace.nyc
Update: They never called my husband or I and nothing showed up in my My Chart Account. Guessing we’re negative?? I was annoyed that I never heard anything, but figured that if we were positive they would have contacted us.
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