NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Talk of the Sound can report exclusively that New York State is setting up a Mobile Testing Lab in a public park owned by Westchester County but located on Long Island Sound in the South End of New Rochelle. The mobile lab location is 4 miles south of the epicenter of the New Rochelle Containment Zone.
Shortly before 10:00 a.m. Thursday, New York State Police troopers caravanned into Glen Island Park, crossing a bridge the separates the park from the mainland. Westchester County Police were already on scene, controlling access to the park. The New York State Department of Transportation was on scene with traffic equipment, portable lighting equipment and heavy vehicles.
At 10:15 a.m, Westchester County Police closed the park, ordering people to leave (including this reporter).
UPDATE ON COVID-19 TESTING
The COVID-19 Testing Center on Glen Island in New Rochelle is expected to open tomorrow, sources say.
ONLY patients sent by a doctor can enter and be tested. Members of the general public will not be allowed to enter. If people show up without proper papers they will be stopped and turned away.
There will be a detailed process with documentation, to be announced once the facility is operational. Physicians will prescribe testing for specific patients who will then be admitted to the site with the proper documents. Patients who have been sent by a physician for testing will be “swabbed” on site.
Northwell Health will run the testing at the Glen Island Park.
UPDATE FROM GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO
During a novel coronavirus briefing, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state will the open first public drive-through testing facility on the east coast on Friday. The state will start testing people tomorrow in New Rochelle. Testing will be done by appointment only. New Rochelle residents who have been quarantined will be tested first.
UPDATE FROM CITY OF NEW ROCHELLE
Update on the Cononavirus Outbreak
The National Guard has arrived in Westchester and will be working here in New Rochelle beginning today to assist in the delivery of meals, cleaning of public facilities, and the distribution of supplies. The Guard will not be engaged in any military or policing activities, and is operating purely as logistical support.
The containment area in the Wykagyl neighborhood takes effect today, Within this area, large gatherings at large institutions are prohibited. But, contrary to false rumors, there is no change in daily life. Except for individuals subject to quarantine, residents are free to come and go, and businesses are open.
In an effort to support our business community through this period, New Rochelle is offering free parking at all metered spaces citywide for at least the next two weeks. New Rochelle is open for business, and if you are a healthy adult, please continue to patronize our local restaurants and shops.
Now, a reminder on previously reported information:
Nursing homes and assisted facilities will not accept visitors until further notice, as a means of limiting exposure for our most vulnerable population.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor or health care provider for individual guidance on testing. If you do not have a doctor, then call ahead to the emergency room, do not simply show up.
All of us can protect ourselves and our families by following common sense public health guidelines, including reasonable social distancing.
Additional information is available by calling 888-364-3065 or 2-1-1 or by visiting newrochelleny.com/coronavirus.
This is a big challenge for New Rochelle, but our community is rising to the occasion by demonstrating strength, resilience, calm, and support for our neighbors.
Additional information will follow as needed.
Why is it 4 miles away put the mobile test lab right infront of Young Israel. Why contaminate the south side? Noam is a joke. This register democrat will not be voting Democrat for Noam or Cross eye in the county executors office or Cuomo.