Law Enforcement, Fire & EMS Responders will be able to receive a Rapid COVID-19 Test through an online reservation system
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today announced a County-wide first responder COVID-19 testing plan that will allow active local fire service, emergency medical service providers, and local law enforcement to receive a rapid test on weekends throughout the month of December. Eligible first responders are able to sign up for an appointment through a reservation-based mobile system on the County’s Rave Mobile Safety Platform.
“While we await the arrival of a vaccine, we know that testing is one of our most valuable tools in combating this virus,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. “As we work to increase access to testing across the board, this new testing program for first responders will allow us to continue to protect all those who are on the frontlines everyday working to keep our communities safe.”
The Suffolk County Departments of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES), Department of Health Services and Division of Emergency Medical Services will conduct rapid testing at various locations throughout the County, including in the towns of Brookhaven, Riverhead, Babylon, Islip, Smithtown, and Huntington, on the following dates. Testing site locations and times will be provided to first responders upon the confirmation of their appointments:
- Saturday, December 12
- Sunday, December 13
- Saturday, December 19
- Sunday, December 20
- Saturday, December 26
- Sunday, December 27
The first responder testing initiative is available for active fire and EMS providers, as well as local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the County will soon launch an employee testing program, which will include County law enforcement. Those who suspect that they have recently been exposed to, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will receive priority.
Eligible first responders will receive a mobile survey via text message from Suffolk County FRES to advise interested recipients to fill out information related to pre-registration and to select an allotted testing date and time. The first available testing date through the program is Saturday, December 12.
Appointments are required and must be made through the reservation-based system, no walk-ins will be permitted. The County will administer 100 tests per day for the duration of the testing.
Suffolk County first responders who have any questions or have not yet received the survey related to a reservation are encouraged to contact Joel Vetter at joel.vetter@suffolkcountyny.gov with the subject line of “FDEMS Rapid COVID Testing” or 631-852-4856.
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