HEALTH
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Updates on COVID Tracing and Testing in New York City BY LINDA NWOKE
O
n July 21, 2022, the U.S. President announced that he tested positive for COVID-19, exhibiting mild symptoms like fatigue, a slightly runny nose, and occasional dry cough, as explained by the President's physician. Many people are in such a situation, despite receiving the COVID 19 vaccination. They might contract COVID 19 but with mild symptoms and, in a matter of days, will recover fully. The scenario remains one of the reasons medical personnel and experts, especially in New York City, continue to promote and put in place various measures to support and protect New Yorkers. Some of these updates formed part of the discussions in roundtable led by José Bayona, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of Ethnic & Community Media, between the New York Health Department and journalists from various ethnic community media. The NYC Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner, Dr. Ashwin Vasan, acknowledged the importance of the
From l to r, Executive Director Bayona, Commissioner Dr Vashan and Dr Long. Editorial credit: PP/IQInc
advocacy role played by community media. He recognized their contribution to ensuring that accurate information, especially on COVID-related issues, reaches the diverse communities in New York City. "I have to give you all a vote of thanks for your continued focus on keeping your community safe. Even while larger outlets seem to have moved on to other stories." His colleague, Dr. Ted Long, revealed the new stages of COVID 19 management in New York City. The NYC Test & Trace Corps executive director emphasized that 'treatment 'has become a
"defining feature of this phase of the pandemic.". In his view, the more New Yorkers get treatment, the less likely people will be admitted to the hospital, ultimately saving more lives. Dr. Long explained that treatment starts with testing, especially rapid testing, which remains critical to ensuring that patients receive treatment speedily. "Time matters with treatment, and this only works if you take it early enough. Early treatment could save your life." He explained.
Treatment Sites Furthermore, New York City has considerably expanded the number of testing sites. Presently, over 375 testing sites focus on increasing access to rapid and home testing. There are presently several categories of testing sites, some classified as traditional PCR testing sites. Examples include Bellevue Hospital, where individuals can go and get a PCR test within minutes. However, these types of sites only render PCR testing. Other sites have a combination of rapid and PCR tests, such as the mobile units that move daily around the city. At other sites, treatment packs are given at the mobile units, while some trusted places serve as sites for handing out free home tests for households in New York City. According to Dr. Long, "We want to make sure that people can know where to comfortably go to get tested in whatever manner you want or wish to be tested." When asked about the efficacy of the treatment packs, Dr. Long proclaimed that they were highly effective. "As I tell continued on page 18
Big protection for little New Yorkers. COVID-19 vaccines now available for kids 6 months and older.
To learn more, visit nyc.gov/vaccine昀nder or call 877-VAX-4NYC.
Eric Adams Mayor Ashwin Vasan, MD, PhD Commissioner
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