NYC finally sets up COVID test site in Jackson Heights — for one day only
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A mobile testing site finally opened in Travers Park Friday, only to close the next day. Photo by Jeff Simmons
By David Brand
A temporary COVID testing site that was supposed to operate all week long in Jackson Heights finally opened Friday — for one day only.
The Health and Hospitals Corporation announced they would open the clinic from Monday until Friday, but Jackson Heights residents notified the Eagle that the site was still non-existent Thursday afternoon. The arrival Friday meant the site would open for a single day, even as hours-long lines form at clinics across the borough.
An HHC spokesperson said the agency did not set up the testing site earlier because of “inclement and severely cold weather.” At least one other site in Corona that was supposed to operate all week did not open until Friday either.
The Eagle contacted local elected officials who said they were not told about the decision to suspend the clinic. Several people visited Travers Park to get a COVID test only to find an empty concrete expanse.
Assemblymember Catalina Cruz learned at least one other mobile site in Corona that was scheduled to operate all week had not opened either as of Thursday. She blasted the mayor and city agencies for failing to inform the community about the closures.
“The failure to inform the local elected officials and community that these sites would be closed during cold weather is yet one more example of Mayor de Blasio’s complete incompetence,” said Assemblymember Catalina Cruz.
The 7-day COVID test positivity rate in Corona’s zip code 11368 stood at 5.17 percent as of Tuesday, according to the most recent Health Department data. Jackson Heights’ zip code 11372, where Travers Park is located, reached 3.15 percent. Both neighborhoods were among the hardest hit communities in New York City during the pandemic’s peak.
Long lines have formed at testing sites throughout Queens, with Eagle readers sharing their experiences with four hour waits in Forest Hills and Auburndale, and a three-hour line in Far Rockaway.
“These are matters of life and death for my community,” Cruz said.
