With thousands of first responders and emergency employees working to combat the COVID-19 public health crisis, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran has announced that in partnership with Northwell Health the County will be providing COVID-19 antibody testing for all of the County’s first responders and essential personnel. The testing will be available by appointment to police officers, police medics, correction officers, deputy sheriffs, fire service and other essential law enforcement and government workers from the County, Cities, Towns, and Villages within Nassau County who directly interact with the public while working.
“We owe so much to our first responders and essential personnel who have been working on the frontlines of this pandemic and putting their own health at risk to keep our communities safe. We have already seen many positive cases in our workforce and this test will help expand our knowledge of who may have been exposed to the virus. I am so proud of our law enforcement, first responders and employees who have shown grit and determination through this crisis. It is critical that we do all in our power to protect their wellbeing while they are working hard to protect ours,“ said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
“Today’s commencement of the COVID Antibody Testing is an important step to determine if our first responders test positive for the anti-body. These tests have been validated with regard to accuracy and have met strict protocols for us to move forward as the health and safety of our first responders and our residents are of the utmost importance. We continue our collaboration of multiple county, town and city agencies working together to schedule these tests and obtain the results as quickly as possible,” said Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Patrick Ryder.
After months of responding to this emergency public health crisis, many first responders and essential employees have contracted COVID-19 including 191 positive cases (sworn and civilian) in the Nassau County Police Department and 270 positive cases in the 71 fire departments across the County.
The antibody test, which is conducted by blood test, will reveal if someone has previously been infected by COVID-19, even if they were asymptomatic. The COVID-19 antibody test received New York State and FDA Emergency Use Authorization. The blood testing will begin on Tuesday, May 5 for eligible employees. The County aims to test 500 emergency and essential personnel a day. The test is also open for essential County employees who interact with the public, such as employees at the Department of Health and Department of Social Services. Testing may be expanded at a later date for other employees.
This test is for antibodies only and is not for someone who is currently symptomatic. The County also offers viral testing at NUMC for first responders showing symptoms of COVID-19.
For more information about making an appointment for antibody testing, eligible employees can call the County’s coronavirus hotline at 516-227-9570.
