STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Borough President James Oddo offered an update Friday on the collaborative effort bringing coronavirus antibody tests to Staten Island’s nursing homes and Richmond University Medical Center.
The effort among Oddo’s office, the West Brighton hospital, the nursing homes and the diagnostic company Chembio has completed 700 tests on RUMC staff, and is waiting for paperwork to begin testing at the nursing homes.
“We are now at the phase of this pandemic where we see that people are recovering from COVID-19 and we are eager to return to our normal lives,” Oddo said. “As eager as we might be, it’s important to continue to protect ourselves with social distancing and face coverings and gloves while in public. Now is the time for antibody testing and that’s happening in numerous ways on Staten Island.”
Antibody testing can provide doctors with evidence that a patient has been exposed to coronavirus and recovered. No evidence has yet been found that prior exposure provides immunity to the virus causing the worldwide pandemic.
Thus far, the hospital has trained six of its staff members, and has the capacity to conduct 125 tests per day. RUMC President and CEO Dr. Daniel Messina thanked Oddo and Chembio for their roles in the partnership.
“We are very excited about this partnership with Borough President Oddo and Chembio labs,” Messina said. “The safety and health of our staff on the front lines of this pandemic is always our highest priority. They are caring for hundreds of COVID-19-positive patients in various stages of the virus.”
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According to the borough president’s office, such testing is currently being offered to the general public at two ProHealth Circle Urgent Care locations in Tottenville and Willowbrook, and a Gabriel Pediatric location in Bulls Head. Those interested in being tested should call to schedule an appointment.
Oddo’s office has also provided a list of testing sites where anyone can be tested for active cases of the virus. Those who would like to be tested at those sites also need to make an appointment.
Priority will be given to those experiencing symptoms, healthcare workers, first responders, essential workers, weakened immune systems, or with a doctor’s order.