Three Queens NYCHA developments will host on-site COVID-19 testing

The Queensbridge Houses will be one of the three NYCHA developments that will have onsite COVID-19 testing in the coming days. AP Photo/Mark Lennihan File

By Victoria Merlino

The state will introduce COVID-19 testing at three public housing developments in Queens as part of an effort to expand testing in low-income communities disproportionately impacted by the illness, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday. 

The Queensbridge Houses in Long Island City, Hammel Houses in Rockaway Beach and Red Fern Houses in Far Rockaway are three of the 11 campuses included in a pilot program that will provide onsite health services and testing in NYCHA developments. Cuomo said the program could expand to other sites as well.

“We have a need and a responsibility to get the assistance we need to low income communities,” Cuomo said. 

Cuomo also pledged to deliver 500,000 masks and 10,000 gallons of hand sanitizer to New York City’s public housing residents and staff.

The decision to deliver the supplies comes after THE CITY reported that NYCHA repair staff worked in apartments without masks or other protective gear.