Broome’s Mobile Rapid COVID Testing Site Moves to J.C.

New York State and county leaders are all voicing concerns about the lack of COVID-19 vaccines as eligibility for the shots expanded beyond specific high-risk occupations and nursing homes to now include residents over the age of 65 but another shortage has reappeared.

In addition to a shortage of vaccines, there is again a shortage of testing supplies for the coronavirus.

As Broome County moves its mobile rapid testing site to the parking lot at the Oakdale Mall near the County Office of Employment and Training January 18 through the 29^th, officials say the testing has to be strictly limited to those who have been approved and granted a reservation.

The County days ago changed the protocol for testing allowing only for those exhibiting symptoms who have reserved an appointment in advance to take advantage of the services of the converted B.C. Transit Bus. Limited walk-ins, which had been available in the past, now will be turned away.

Reservations can be made at gobroomecounty.com or by calling 211. The testing is being done from 1-7 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Testing is still available through private healthcare providers, pharmacies (by appointment), the New York State testing site at Binghamton University and local hospitals.