Thanks to the scientific achievements of our partners at Northwell Health, we are actively combating the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) through expanded testing opportunity. The tests, which take swab samples, were previously sent to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) laboratories in Atlanta and had a three-day wait time for confirmation. But the US Food & Drug Administration recently relaxed that process, allowing outside labs to conduct testing, and approving Northwell Labs to do so.

Manual testing for coronavirus, available now in all of our centers, allows 75-100 tests to be processed daily. Given the still limited testing capacity at this time, we are reserving the COVID-19 test for patients who are at the highest risk. Once the lab automates the process, it will have the capability to process hundreds and eventually thousands of tests daily.

If you have any symptoms and would like to inquire about testing, please visit any of our centers by saving your spot online or just walking in. Our providers will consult with you on your situation and provide guidance, including testing if it is deemed appropriate. We ask that if you are experiencing a fever with a cough or trouble breathing, please wear a mask and tell our center staff immediately when coming in.

Simple Steps For Coronavirus Protection

The Coronavirus alerts are intensifying and they may be causing you anxiety. While unknowns around the disease are concerning, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching any respiratory virus. A simple but effective preventative measure is washing hands often. J.D. Zipkin, M.D., Associate Medical Director, said it best: "Our hands are the vehicles by which germs hitchhike to areas they more easily infect – like our mouth, nose, and eyes – but washing our hands properly can help prevent the spread of these germs."

Here are simple steps to protect yourself and your family:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, & avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Read more about Dr. Zipkin’s advice on MarthaStewart.com
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  

You can read more about what Dr. Zipkin and Regional Medical Director, Dr. Neal Shipley have to say about Coronavirus symptoms and detection on Shape.com.