County Executive Pat Ryan Announces that Rapid Testing Will Now Be Available in Ulster County

esting kits will be designated for school districts, congregate care facilities, and other identified clusters throughout the county 

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Ryan announced today during his live Facebook briefing that Ulster County is now eligible to receive rapid testing machines and test kits. The County will be submitting their plan today to the New York State Department of Health to receive rapid testing machines and testing kits which will increase the county’s testing capacity. These kits will be employed to assist school districts, congregate care facilities, and other identified clusters. These rapid tests will be provided at the Ulster County Health Department through a drive through system, and those tested will receive their results before they leave the site. 

“Rapid response testing will help slow the spread of COVID-19 by expanding accessibility and improving our turnaround time, allowing us to instantly test key facilities and populations,” Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said. “I want to thank Governor Cuomo and the State Department of Health for providing crucial support and resources to make this a reality and for their partnership in keeping Ulster County residents healthy and safe.”

To support New York’s testing efforts, the New York State Department of Health is now providing a limited basis point of care testing instruments for the virus that causes COVID-19 to local health departments who can demonstrate a plan for their equitable use. Both Abbott BinaxNOW and Abbott ID NOW test cards and machines and test kits are available to local health departments as supply permits. Materials will be provided at no cost so long as testing is open to the public, offered free of charge, and prioritizes vulnerable and at-risk populations that may not currently have equitable access to testing.

Residents can find information about their nearest testing location and both walk-in testing sites and mobile testing sites by visiting https://covid19.ulstercountyny.gov/covid19-testing/. 

For additional information about COVID-19 visit: https://ulstercountyny.gov/coronavirus

Ulster County Recovery Service Center: 845-443-8888