There have been social media reports (#CityMD) of 2-3 hour waits at CityMD. (The above photo is from this morning around 8 as the line outside the 14th Street CityMD outpost stretched halfway down the block between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.)
Some knowledgeable/trustworthy sources online have reminded people about free city-run test sites. Find that list here. And this site has the wait times for NYC Health + Hospitals COVID-19 testing locations. And here's a list of free mobile testing units. You'll have to travel a little bit for this — none of the locations are in the East Village.
The city is reportedly expanding testing sites, distributing masks and giving away at-home test kits... though, as many people have pointed out in news articles on this winter surge: 20 months in, it shouldn't be so difficult to get a test. (And this article at The City reports: "De Blasio Shut Down 20 City-Run COVID Testing Facilities Ahead of Omicron Surge.")
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Lots of reporting on NYC's free distribution of Rapid Test Kits for at-home use and free N95 masks for all NYers. Seeing as how our N95's are kind of shabby and no more money from the feds, my husband and I checked the NY Health + Hospitals' website to learn about distribution sites in our neighborhood, namely the Roberto Clemente Health Center on 13th Street, which is listed as a place to obtain both. Dropped by there yesterday morning only to learn that they had NOTHING but regular paper medical masks (of which we already have a bunch and that will be useless against Omicron). They kindly suggested we try Bellevue, but my impression is that NONE OF THIS IS UP AND RUNNING. BS. How many years are we into this problem? But they have time to defy court orders and cut down our trees 24/7? I've had it.
You need to wear a mask. Here's what Dr. Emily Landon, an infectious disease physician at the University of Chicago, told NPR.
Can masks help stop omicron?
Given what's known about the variant so far, yes. SARS-CoV-2 is still a respiratory virus, which means it's still going to mostly spread from an infected person breathing, coughing or sneezing out the virus and someone else breathing it in. The difference with omicron is that it appears to be much more transmissible, meaning it's easier to catch it.
But a good mask will make a difference in how much virus people spew out or take in, says Landon. On an individual level, that means it might be a good time to break out your best quality mask — an N95 or KN95 — especially if you're traveling or going out in crowds in public. Also, if you've been letting your mask slide down under your nose, it's a good idea to up your game and make sure your mask fits well.
regular paper medical masks will be useless against Omicron? Based on what?
Any info on wait time for boosters walk ins at CityMD on 14th St?
I remember when the line went towards third ave then down 13th street and around Jack Daw. Be safe everyone.
So many people who attended SantaCon are coming down with Covid that the CDC had to come up with a name for a new variant: they call it SantaCron.
While not convenient for my fellow EV grievers, I have had a lot of luck with short wait times and multiple, free testing options in the area of Lex and 2nd ave / 86 and 97th streets. LabQ has multiple tents set up, there's Metropolitan Hospital (NYC H+H) and the Islamic Cultural Center with its own operation. Alternatively, if you can nab an appointment with Avenue C Pharmacy on Loisaida, that's always a good deal, too!
There was a mobile testing site set up on the 7th Street side of Tompkins today, but I was too late getting there. Has anyone been tested there? They had a QR code to scan to register and I did that, but then nothing happened. I don't know if I'm good to go or if I need to provide information, or if I need to schedule a time. The staff were very busy and only told me they'd be there tomorrow 10-5, which is unfortunate because I can't get away from work to wait on line. Getting a hold of any home testing kit seems to be impossible. How is getting a simple test still so difficult after all this time???
PCR testing van on 7th btwn A and B line is pretty short right now
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