New York City to open testing sites in hard-hit communities

New York City is starting to open new coronavirus testing sites for hard-hit communities. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Friday that five new walk-in testing sites will be open by Monday, with a focus on residents aged 65 and older in areas with high numbers of cases of the COVID-19 virus.

Separately, five other new testing sites will be available to health care workers, among some other groups.

The sites will initially offer a total of 2,400 tests a week, but the city aims to double that quickly.

Separately, five other new testing sites will be available to health care workers who are members of a major union that represents nurses, aides and many others.

Those sites, offering a total of 3,500 tests per week, also will be open to other essential workers, including those who work at adult care facilities, and to city residents 65 and older with underlying medical conditions.

The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.