TOH, Northwell to provide tests for first responders in Seaford

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Northwell Health and the Hempstead Town Board have partnered to offer free Covid-19 testing to first responders in Seaford and Oceanside.

The tests are available for first responders who work and live within the Town of Hempstead. Eligible first responders include sworn police officers, sworn peace officers, firefighters (paid and volunteer), municipal EMS (not private entities) and auxiliary police. Walk-ups are welcome, but first responders can make an appointment by calling (516) 821-2500.

The testing is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oceanside Fire Department, 65 Foxhurst Road, from Nov. 16 through 20, and at the Seaford Fire Department, 2170 Southland Ave., on Nov. 20 and from Nov. 23 to 25.

The initiative has been made possible by CARES Act funding, in which the Town of Hempstead received a $133 million grant to alleviate some of the adverse effects that have arisen due to the coronavirus pandemic.

PCR testing is of vital importance for the first responder’s community as the test confirms whether the Covid-19 virus is active within the test recipient. Testing centers will take place in six fire battalions within the town with locations announced on a rolling basis. On a daily basis, Northwell Health will staff each location and make sure the facility is properly cleaned before testing and once testing is completed.

“Our first responders are the true heroes of this pandemic,” said Dr. Debbie Salas-Lopez, Northwell’s senior vice president for community and population health, according to a news release. “We need to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of our communities by providing them with free testing and the right resources. And our partnership with the Town of Hempstead reinforces our promise to keep them healthy during this troubling time.”

Clavin and members of the Hempstead Town Board – Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Bruce Blakeman, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Councilman Tom Muscarella, Councilman Chris Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll – launched the First Responder testing program in early November with Northwell Health. 

“No matter the circumstances, our first responders are always there to protect our community,” Clavin said in a news release. “We must ensure that they are remaining safe and free of Covid-19.”

All first responders who work and live within the Town of Hempstead are encouraged to use the services to keep themselves and the community safe by preventing the spread of Covid-19.

To learn more about future testing locations and to register to take a test, call (516) 821-2500. For more information about the Town of Hempstead and its efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses throughout the region, visit hempsteadny.gov.

 

Courtesy Town of Hempstead;
compiled by Mike Smollins